Hurlburt Field

Hurlburt Field is located on the Gulf of Mexico in the Florida Panhandle, 35 miles east of Pensacola (United States). This area is also known as the Emerald Coast and is a major tourist attraction for its breathtaking white beaches and the emerald green waters. The cost of living in this area is high and the wages are relatively low. The base operator's phone number is 850-884-1110 or DSN 312-579-1110. Hours of Operation 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

History

Home of the Air Commandos since 1961. Officially designated Eglin Auxiliary Field No. 9, it served as one of the small training fields built on the sprawling Eglin Air Force Range in the 1940s. General Grandison Gardiner, Eglin commander, named it for First Lieutenant Donald Wilson Hurlburt who was killed in an aircraft crash at Eglin Auxiliary Field #9 in 1943. The Eglin Military Reservation, to include the surrounding auxiliary fields, played key roles in the training of special operations rescue forces for operations such as the 1970 Son Tay Raid in Vietnam. When the 1 SOW was renamed the 16 SOW on October 1, 1993, it retained the heritage and honors of the 1 SOW, its predecessor designations, and the 16th Pursuit and Fighter groups. On 16 Nov 06, the 16th SOW reclaimed the number 1 as part of the Wing designation. Now the 1st SOW boasts a 26-squadron wing, capable of deploying and sustaining a fight anywhere in the world on a moment's notice. For more history visitHurlburt Field's homepage.

Mission

Hurlburt Field is home of the 1st Special Operations Wing, a part of Air Force Special Operations Command. The mission of the wing is to organize, train and equip Air Force special operations forces for global employment and to assist foreign countries in the establishment of internal air defense abilities. The wing focuses on unconventional warfare including counterinsurgency and psychological operations during low-intensity conflicts.

Population Served

• Active Duty Military 8,087
• Civilian Employees 1,968
• Family Members 9,164

Area Population: Okaloosa County 190,083, Santa Rosa County 158,512

Directions to Hurlburt Field

Driving from North, Northeast or Southeast

Driving from the North, Northeast, or Southeast via Interstate 10, exit at EXIT 56 (old 12) in Crestview. Turn South on Highway 85 proceed about 14 miles to the intersection of Highway 123, veer to the right, continue on this road until it re-intersects with Highway 85. Go South until you find Highway 98, about 10 miles, veer to the right towards Pensacola. Hurlburt Field will be about 7 miles on the right.

Driving from the West via I-10

Driving from the West via Interstate 10, exit at Exit 31 (old 10), turn right on highway 87 and proceed about 20 miles to Highway 98. Turn left and proceed east for about 10 miles. Hurlburt Field is sign posted. The main gate is on the left.

Driving on Highway 98

On Highway 98, Hurlburt Field is approximately 40 miles East of Pensacola and 75 miles West of Panama City and 4 miles west of Fort Walton Beach.

Driving by Bus

If you come by bus, you will need to get a taxi or contact base transportation for a taxi. Base taxis are available for official business only (mission permitting). There are no shuttle buses on base.

Airport

Northwest Florida Regional Airport

If you are driving from Northwest Florida Regional Airport, turn left onto Highway 85, proceed South until you come to Highway 98, about ten miles. Veer to the right when you see the sign that indicates Pensacola. Go West about 7 miles; Hurlburt Field's main gate will be on the right.

Pensacola Airport

If you are coming from the Pensacola Airport, follow the signs to Interstate-110 turn left and go East, it will become Highway 98. Proceed to the East about 40 miles; Hurlburt Field's main gate will be on the left.