Tyndall pilot lands first aircraft at new airport

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Anthony J. Hyatt
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  One individual from Tyndall Air Force Base became the first pilot to land an aircraft at the new Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport in Panama City, Fla. May 22 during its grand opening ceremony.

As three F-15 Eagles conducted a flyover of the airport at 11:45 a.m., one Tyndall F-22 Raptor, flown by Maj. Stephen Cox, 43rd Fighter Squadron pilot, performed a ceremonial touch-and-go.

"The Air Force has provided me with the opportunity to do a lot of very unique and exciting things over the years and this definitely rates pretty high," said Major Cox. "I actually accomplished my first landing and first solo landing at the old airport while earning my private pilot's license in high school."

Major Cox is no stranger to Florida. In fact he is a fourth generation Panama City Beach native. He grew up on the west end of Bay County and attended the local Bay High School.

The pilot has been stationed at Tyndall twice in his career. In 1994, he was a student in the F-15 Formal Training Unit, flying with the 95th Fighter Squadron. Currently, he has been stationed at Tyndall since October 2003 and has served in multiple squadrons to include the 1st Fighter Squadron, 2nd Fighter Squadron and the 325th Operational Support Squadron.

Both Major Cox's parents and grandparents live within three miles of the new airport making it that much memorable.

"It was an unbelievable honor to represent my family, the local community and the United States Air Force," the pilot said.