MacDill AFB, Fla., recently completed an ecosystem restoration project to correct drainage issues, unmanageable plant growth, and poor wildlife habits on base. During the five-month project, the 6th Civil Engineering Squadron and the Southwest Florida Water Management District worked together to create 22 acres of new wetlands and enhance nearly 72 acres of existing wetland, surface water, and upland habitats, according to a base release. The ecosystem rework aims to “increase storm water retention time, enhance and restore low salinity nursery habitats, and expand recreational opportunities,” explained MacDill spokeswoman Susanna Martinez Tarokh. “We are already seeing the benefits of the project,” added Brandt F. Henningsen, restoration program chief scientist. Improvements include “increased numbers of blue crabs, mullet, pinfish, and wading birds,” he said. (MacDill report by SSgt. Brandon Shapiro)
Members of the House Armed Services Committee say the AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile program has been set back three months due to the ongoing government shutdown. The comment is noteworthy because the JATM's status has been kept tightly under wraps.
