What City is Eglin Air Force Base In?
Eglin Air Force Base is a United States Air Force base located in Valparaiso, Florida. The base is situated in the western part of the state, approximately 70 miles (113 km) northwest of Pensacola and 100 miles (161 km) east of Mobile, Alabama.
History of Eglin Air Force Base
Eglin Air Force Base has a rich history dating back to 1935, when it was established as a civilian airport. During World War II, the base was converted into a military airfield and was used as a training facility for pilots. In 1943, the base was officially named Eglin Field in honor of Lieutenant Colonel Frederick B. Eglin, a pilot who was killed in action during a training exercise.
Missions and Operations
Today, Eglin Air Force Base is a major hub for the US Air Force’s Test and Evaluation community. The base is home to the 96th Test Wing, which is responsible for testing and evaluating aircraft, missiles, and other military systems. The base also hosts the Air Armament Center, which is responsible for the development and testing of air-launched weapons.
Some of the key missions and operations at Eglin Air Force Base include:
• Test and Evaluation: The base is home to the 96th Test Wing, which conducts tests and evaluations of aircraft, missiles, and other military systems.
• Air Armament: The base is home to the Air Armament Center, which is responsible for the development and testing of air-launched weapons.
• Training: The base is used as a training facility for pilots and other military personnel.
• Support: The base provides support services to other military bases and units in the region.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Eglin Air Force Base has a range of facilities and infrastructure to support its various missions and operations. Some of the key facilities and infrastructure include:
• Runways: The base has three runways, including a 12,000-foot (3,658-meter) runway that is capable of handling large military aircraft.
• Hangars: The base has several hangars, including a large hangar that is used for the maintenance and repair of aircraft.
• Test Ranges: The base has several test ranges, including a Instrumented Range that is used for testing and evaluating aircraft and missiles.
• Support Facilities: The base has a range of support facilities, including a hospital, a dining facility, and a commissary.
Community and Economy
Eglin Air Force Base is an important part of the local community and economy. The base is a major employer in the region, with over 10,000 military and civilian personnel working on the base. The base also generates significant revenue for the local economy, with an estimated economic impact of over $1 billion per year.
Some of the key statistics about the base’s impact on the local community and economy include:
• Employment: The base is a major employer in the region, with over 10,000 military and civilian personnel working on the base.
• Economic Impact: The base generates significant revenue for the local economy, with an estimated economic impact of over $1 billion per year.
• Local Spending: The base is a significant source of local spending, with military personnel and civilians spending millions of dollars each year in the local community.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Eglin Air Force Base is a significant military installation located in Valparaiso, Florida. The base has a rich history dating back to 1935 and is home to a range of important missions and operations, including test and evaluation, air armament, and training. The base is also an important part of the local community and economy, generating significant revenue and employment opportunities for the region.
