Intro
Discover the secrets of Eglin Air Force Base, a United States Air Force base located in Okaloosa County, Florida. Uncover its location, history, and details, including its role in military operations, missile testing, and its impact on the local community. Learn more about this strategic base and its significance in national defense.
Eglin Air Force Base, located in the heart of the Florida Panhandle, is a United States Air Force base that has been a cornerstone of the nation's defense for over seven decades. As the largest Air Force base in the United States, Eglin AFB is a hub of activity, hosting a diverse range of units, tenants, and missions that play a critical role in ensuring the safety and security of the country.
Located in Okaloosa County, Florida, Eglin AFB is situated approximately 5 miles southwest of the city of Valparaiso and 30 miles east of the city of Fort Walton Beach. The base covers an impressive 463,000 acres, making it one of the largest contiguous military bases in the world. Its strategic location provides access to the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, making it an ideal location for a wide range of military operations and training exercises.
History of Eglin AFB
Eglin AFB has a rich and storied history that dates back to the early 1930s. The base was originally established as the Valparaiso Bombing and Gunnery Base in 1935, and was later renamed Eglin Field in honor of Lieutenant Colonel Frederick I. Eglin, a pioneer in the development of airpower. During World War II, the base played a crucial role in the war effort, serving as a major training facility for bomber crews and as a base for anti-submarine patrols.
In the post-war period, Eglin AFB continued to evolve and expand, becoming a major center for the development and testing of new aircraft and weapons systems. The base has been home to a wide range of units and tenants over the years, including the Air Force Armament Laboratory, the U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command, and the 96th Test Wing.
Units and Tenants
Today, Eglin AFB is home to a diverse range of units and tenants, including:
- The 96th Test Wing, which is responsible for the development and testing of new aircraft and weapons systems
- The Air Force Armament Laboratory, which is a leading center for the development of new armaments and munitions
- The U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command, which is the air component of the U.S. Special Operations Command
- The 919th Special Operations Wing, which is a Reserve unit that provides airlift and aerial refueling support to special operations forces
Missions and Operations
Eglin AFB plays a critical role in a wide range of missions and operations, including:
- Development and testing of new aircraft and weapons systems
- Training of aircrew and maintainers
- Support to special operations forces
- Airlift and aerial refueling operations
- Space and missile operations
The base is also home to a number of tenant units, including the U.S. Army's 6th Ranger Training Battalion and the U.S. Navy's Naval School of Explosive Ordnance Disposal.
Economic Impact
Eglin AFB has a significant economic impact on the local community, with the base employing over 11,000 military and civilian personnel and generating an estimated $1.3 billion in economic activity each year. The base is also a major source of revenue for local businesses, with the base's procurement office awarding millions of dollars in contracts to local companies each year.
Community Engagement
Eglin AFB is committed to being a good neighbor and partner in the local community. The base hosts a number of community events throughout the year, including the annual Eglin Air Force Base Open House and the Eglin Air Force Base Fourth of July Celebration. The base also has a number of programs in place to support local education and economic development initiatives.
Environmental Concerns
Eglin AFB is committed to being a good steward of the environment and has a number of initiatives in place to reduce its environmental impact. The base has implemented a number of energy-saving measures, including the use of solar panels and energy-efficient lighting. The base also has a number of programs in place to protect and conserve local wildlife and habitats.
Gallery of Eglin AFB
Eglin AFB Image Gallery
As the largest Air Force base in the United States, Eglin AFB plays a critical role in ensuring the safety and security of the country. With its rich history, diverse range of units and tenants, and commitment to community engagement and environmental stewardship, Eglin AFB is a true leader in the world of military aviation.