LOCATION:
Eglin AFB is located in North West Florida, comprising over 640 square miles. This is a military friendly area and is also a major tourist attraction due to the white sand beaches. The area is also a high cost of living area and has relatively low wages. Major Command: Air Force Materiel Command
Location: - 8 miles NW of Fort Walton Beach
- 3 miles SW of Niceville
- 60 miles E of Pensacola
- 65 miles W of Panama City
HISTORY:
Modern-day Eglin evolved from a distant and honorable past. It began as the Valparaiso Bombing and Gunnery Base, established in 1935. On August 4, 1937, the base was redesignated Eglin Field in honor of Lt Col Frederick I. Eglin, who died in an aircraft crash. Today, Eglin hosts some 50 associate units representing virtually every major command including our sister services, the U.S. Army Ranger Camp, and the U.S. Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal School. Visit the Eglin homepage for more information
MISSION:
The Air Armament Center (AAC) is the host unit at Eglin. AAC pulls every phase in the life cycle of air delivered weapons--from development through sustainment. The Center is responsible for conventional and unconventional weapons systems. Major commands on Eglin include AFMC, ACC and Special Operations Command
SPONSORSHIP:
What do you do if you arrive at Eglin and have no sponsor? The first thing all incoming personnel need to do is to go to the 24 hour Reception Center - see contacts for directions. Second thing to do, go immediately to the Airman & Family Readiness Center-we are adjacent to the Personnel Center at 502 W. Van Matre Avenue. Our hours of operation are M-F, 730am-430pm. The friendly staff will be glad to assist you in meeting your needs. Mail can be forwarded following the directions listed below.
Forwarding Mail:
Until you get a permanent address, your mail may be forwarded to:
Member's Name
307 Van Matre #5000
Eglin AFB, FL 32542-9998
After arrival, pick up mail at the U.S. Post Office located in building 10 across the street from building 210, (Civilian Personnel and Military Personnel Flight).
TEMPORARY QUARTERS:
Reservations can be made in advance by contacting Eglin Inns at 850-882-4534 or DSN 872-4534. You may also pre-register for housing by calling 850-882-4533. Eglin has limited TLF quarters and you may be sent off base during the busy summer moving season. Personnel are highly encouraged to call in advance and make a reservation.
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE:
Eglin Airman & Family Readiness Center has a well-stocked loan closet for arrivals/departures. Futons, dish packs, and TV/VCR combos are just a few of the many items that can be loaned out- but remember that summer is the busy season. Call 850-882-2893 to check on availability of loaner items. If no answer call 850-882-9060.
The Family Services Loan Closet is located in Bldg 202- one block to the right of the Airman & Family Readiness Center Bldg; and is open Monday-Friday from 9am-1pm.
Civilian employees moving to Eglin are encouraged to go to the AFPC PCS web page for the most recent civilian PCS information. Please check contacts for the AFPC PCS Web Site.
Telephone Access: All numbers listed are in the 850 area code, except as indicated:
Eglin: DSN 872-XXXX; COMM 850-882-XXXX; From on base-2-XXXX; Operator/Locator COMM 850-882-1110, or DSN 872-1110.
CRITICAL INSTALLATION INFORMATION
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS:
BRAC 2005 is expected to make a major impact on Eglin and the surrounding infrastructure as the overall base population will increase by 12,000 by 2011. Military construction will total over $600 million.
Another major concern in NW Florida is HURRICANE SEASON, from June to November. Call ahead if you are arriving at Eglin and a hurricane is predicted to hit this area. Watch your sponsor as Eglin AFB may be evacuated and the surrounding roads will be congested with people leaving the area. The community surrounding Eglin offers white sand beaches and water sports in the surrounding bays and Gulf of Mexico. Riptides and strong undertow will challenge a strong and masterful swimmer. These conditions are extremely dangerous. Ensure that everyone in your party has had a safety briefing-parents brief the kids on the dangers of riptides and rip currents before entering the waters surrounding Eglin. Children must be supervised at all times. Signs at the swimming areas may not be posted-however, it is dangerous to swim or play in water where there is no lifeguard. Make it a practice to use sunscreen (especially children) on the white sand beaches. The color of the sand intensifies and reflects the heat rays. Use gradual exposure so that your body will become accustomed to sun bathing. Most of the venomous snakes found in North America can be found in NW Florida. Be alert for snakes and alligators when you walk in wooded or marshy areas.