Where is Eglin Air Force Base in Florida?
Located in the state of Florida, United States, Eglin Air Force Base is a major United States Air Force (USAF) base situated in Okaloosa County, approximately 15 miles (24 kilometers) northwest of Fort Walton Beach and 120 miles (193 kilometers) southwest of Panama City.
History of Eglin Air Force Base
Eglin Air Force Base was established on June 10, 1936, as the Eglin Field, a United States Army Air Corps (USAAC) airfield. The base was named after Lt. Samuel C. Strate, a World War I pilot who died in a training accident. In 1942, the base was renamed Eglin Field in honor of Lt. Frederick I. Eglin, a pilot who was killed in action during World War I. In 1948, the base was officially redesignated as Eglin Air Force Base.
Air Force Base Details
Address: Eglin Air Force Base, 3510 Eglin Ave, Eglin AFB, FL 32542
Phone Number: (850) 882-6643
Contact Email: eglin.aflwg.pa@us.af.mil
Security Clearance: The base is a military installation and requires a security clearance for access.
Base Layout:
Eglin Air Force Base is situated on a sprawling 684,000-acre (278,000-hectare) property, making it one of the largest air force bases in the world. The base is divided into several distinct areas, including:
• Wing Operations Area: This area is home to various military units, including the 33rd Fighter Wing, the 96th Test Wing, and the 53rd Wing.
• Flight Line: This area is where the base’s aircraft are housed and maintained.
• Aerospace Research and Development: This area is dedicated to researching and developing new technologies for the USAF.
• Logistics and Supply: This area is responsible for supplying and maintaining equipment and materials for the base’s military units.
Aircraft Operations
Eglin Air Force Base is home to a wide range of military aircraft, including:
• F-15E Strike Eagles: Multi-role fighter jets used for air-to-air combat and ground attack missions.
• F-35C Lightning II: Multi-role fighter jets used for air-to-air combat and ground attack missions.
• B-52H Stratofortress: Strategic bombers used for long-range missions.
• A-10C Thunderbolt II: Close air support aircraft used for ground attack missions.
• T-38 Talon: Advanced jet trainers used for pilot training.
Support Facilities
The base also has a range of support facilities, including:
• Medical Facilities: Providing medical care and treatment to military personnel and their families.
• Child Development Centers: Providing childcare services to military families.
• Base Exchange: A military-owned shopping mall offering goods and services to military personnel and their families.
• Commissary: A military-owned grocery store offering discounted groceries to military personnel and their families.
Community Information
Housing: The base offers on-base housing for military personnel and their families. Off-base housing options are also available in the surrounding communities.
Schools: The base has a range of schools, including elementary, middle, and high schools. Off-base schools are also available in the surrounding communities.
Shopping and Entertainment: The base has a range of shopping and entertainment options, including the Base Exchange, Commissary, and the Eglin Air Force Base Theater.
Nearby Attractions
Eglin Air Force Base is located near a range of attractions, including:
• Fort Walton Beach: A popular beach destination with a range of restaurants, shops, and recreational activities.
• Naval Air Station Whiting Field: A nearby naval air station that offers aircraft training and testing facilities.
• Okaloosa Island: A popular beach destination with a range of restaurants, shops, and recreational activities.
• Gulf Islands National Seashore: A national park that offers beach activities, camping, and wildlife viewing.
Conclusion
Eglin Air Force Base is a significant military installation in Florida, playing a crucial role in the USAF’s research, development, and training operations. With its range of military aircraft, support facilities, and community amenities, Eglin AFB is a vital component of the US military’s presence in the region. Whether you’re a military personnel, a civilian employee, or a visitor, Eglin Air Force Base is an important destination to know in Florida.
