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)
President Donald Trump projected confidence Nov. 19 that a proposed sale of F-35s to Saudi Arabia will sail through the Foreign Military Sales process, an early test of the Pentagon’s acquisition reforms. The deal is also likely to face scrutiny from ally Israel over how it could affect the balance…
