TAMPA, Fla. — An archaeology team started a search for possible grave sites Tuesday at MacDill Air Force Base. 

The expanded search includes two archaeologists, two search dogs and handlers that will survery a wooded area just inside a security fence on the northeast side of the base.

The group is searching for possible gravesites from a forgotten Port Tampa cemetery.

Back in the late 1800s, African Americans who lived in Port Tampa were buried there. The military eventually purchased the property to build the base.

This is the latest search for a forgotten African-American cemetery in the Bay area. Researchers have found graves in areas of Odessa, east Tampa, under King High School and searches have started at property in Pinellas County.

But the search at MacDill will differ from other recent lost cemetery searches in Tampa.

On this first run at MacDill, no ground penetrating radar will be used. Tuesday's search will be just a surface search by trained experts for any possible grave evidence. 

New South Associates, a cultural research group, has been working in recent months with MacDill officials, digging through historical records to determine the best spots for the search team to examine.

A statement from MacDill Air Force Base reads: "Once the surface reconnaissance and cadaver dog survey is complete, the next step will be determined based on the data collected. Most importantly, we will ensure to search the area respectfully and appropriately."

If there are any graves found during the search of the wooded area, it won't impact base operations.

The location being searched is in a security buffer zone, well away from any hangars, buildings or runways.