Where is Eglin Air Force Base Located in Florida?
Eglin Air Force Base is a United States Air Force base located in the state of Florida. Specifically, it is situated in the western part of the state, approximately 15 miles (24 km) southwest of Fort Walton Beach and 35 miles (56 km) east of Pensacola.
History of Eglin Air Force Base
Eglin Air Force Base was established in 1935 as a naval air station, known as Naval Air Station Eglin Field. It was named after Lieutenant Robert M. Eglin, a naval aviator who was killed in a flying accident in 1926. During World War II, the base played a significant role in the war effort, serving as a training facility for naval aviators.
In 1948, the base was transferred to the United States Air Force and became a major center for fighter aircraft testing and evaluation. In the 1950s and 1960s, Eglin AFB was involved in the development and testing of nuclear weapons, including the famous H-bomb.
Capabilities and Missions
Eglin Air Force Base is a major military base with a wide range of capabilities and missions. Some of the key capabilities and missions include:
- Test and Evaluation: Eglin AFB is responsible for testing and evaluating the performance of fighter aircraft, including the F-35 Lightning II, F-22 Raptor, and F-15 Eagle.
- Nuclear Weapons: The base is involved in the development and testing of nuclear weapons, including the B61 nuclear bomb.
- Special Operations: Eglin AFB is home to the 1st Special Operations Wing, which conducts special operations missions around the world.
- Airborne Operations: The base is responsible for airborne operations, including airborne command and control, airborne reconnaissance, and airborne refueling.
Base Facts and Figures
Here are some key facts and figures about Eglin Air Force Base:
- Location: Eglin AFB is located in Okaloosa County, Florida, approximately 15 miles (24 km) southwest of Fort Walton Beach and 35 miles (56 km) east of Pensacola.
- Size: The base covers an area of approximately 130,000 acres (52,000 hectares).
- Population: The base has a population of approximately 15,000 military personnel and 7,000 civilian employees.
- Aircraft: The base is home to a wide range of aircraft, including the F-35 Lightning II, F-22 Raptor, F-15 Eagle, and C-130 Hercules.
- Runways: The base has three runways, including a 12,000-foot (3,658-meter) runway and two 9,000-foot (2,743-meter) runways.
Community and Amenities
Eglin Air Force Base is located in a beautiful area with a strong sense of community. Here are some of the amenities and services available to base personnel and their families:
- Housing: The base has a variety of housing options, including on-base apartments and off-base rentals.
- Schools: The base has several schools, including elementary, middle, and high schools.
- Commissary: The base has a commissary, which offers discounted prices on groceries and other household items.
- Base Exchange: The base has a base exchange, which offers a wide range of products and services, including clothing, electronics, and home goods.
- Recreation: The base has several recreational facilities, including a golf course, swimming pool, and fitness center.
Conclusion
Eglin Air Force Base is a major military base located in the western part of Florida. With a rich history dating back to 1935, the base has played a significant role in the development and testing of fighter aircraft and nuclear weapons. Today, the base is responsible for a wide range of missions, including test and evaluation, nuclear weapons development, special operations, and airborne operations. With its strong sense of community and amenities, Eglin AFB is a great place to live and work.
