Okaloosa County BOCC — November 15, 2016 — Destin Executive Airport Air Traffic Control Tower Dedication — agenda request

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AGENDA REQUEST DATE: November 15, 2016 TO: Honorable Chairman and Members of the Board FROM: Tracy Stage SUBJECT: Destin Executive Airport Air Traffic Control Tower Dedication DEPARTMENT: Airport BCC DISTRICT: 5 STATEMENT OF ISSUE: The Airports Department requests approval by the Board of County Commissioners to name the new Air Traffic Control Tower at the Destin Executive Airport the "Leroy J. Manor Air Traffic Control Tower." BACKGROUND: After ten years of relentless efforts to further increase aviation safety and enhance control and safety on the ground as well as in the air, in and around Destin Executive Airport, we will soon complete construction of a 71' Air Traffic Control Tower. Upon construction completion, which is expected within 30 days, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will start the process of inspection and formal entry into the FAA Federal Contract Tower Program. The Interested Aviation Professionals, a high caliber group of industry experts formulated by Vice- Chairwoman Carolyn Ketchel, has recommended the tower be named after Lieutenant General Leroy J. Manor, USAF (ret), whom resides in Okaloosa County. Lieutenant General Leroy Manor (born February 21, 1921) began his 36 year career of distinguished military service as a P-47 fighter pilot in World War II flying missions directly over the invasion of Normandy. In 1945, he was assigned to the Air Proving Grounds, Eglin Field and numerous assignments following. As commander of the 37th Tactical Fighter Wing at Phu Cat AB in the Republic of Vietnam, Lt Gen Manor completed 275 F-100 combat missions in North and South Vietnam. Although Lt Gen Manor’s heroic accomplishments are extensive, he is well known for his selection to form of a Joint Task Force and select, train and execute the bold Son Tay Raid to rescue American Prisoners of War at the Son Tay POW Camp in North Vietnam. A flawless mission, with great hazards involved, was conducted and he earned the Presidential Act of Congress medal, his first (of 4) Air Force Distinguished Service Medals. OPTIONS: Approve, Reject, or Table RECOMMENDATIONS: Approve the request to name the new Destin Executive Airport Air Traffic Control Tower the Leroy J. Manor Air Traffic Control Tower RECOMMENDED BY: APPROVED BY: John Hofstad, County Administrator