About Hurlburt Field
Hurlburt Field, located in Mary Esther, Florida, near Fort Walton Beach, is the headquarters for the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC). This base plays a critical role in providing combat-ready special operations forces for missions worldwide.
Home to the 1st Special Operations Wing, it supports a wide range of operations, including unconventional warfare, special reconnaissance, and counterterrorism. The base offers state-of-the-art training facilities and support services for service members and their families, ensuring mission success while promoting a high quality of life.
In this Article
Hurlburt Field Local Veterans Guide
If you’re stationed at Hurlburt Field or planning a move to this key U.S. Air Force base in the Florida Panhandle, our veterans guide provides all the essential details you need. From housing options on base and in nearby Fort Walton Beach, to exploring the area’s attractions and securing financial resources, this guide ensures you’re prepared for everything related to Hurlburt Field.
Hurlburt Field Information
Contact Information
- Main Phone Number: +1 (850) 884-0011
- Housing Office: +1 (850) 884-0012
- Health Services Coordinator: +1 (850) 884-0013
- Family Support Office: +1 (850) 884-0014
- Legal Office: +1 (850) 884-0015
Address: Hurlburt Field, 1 SOW Headquarters, 123 Terry Ave, Hurlburt Field, FL 32544, United States
Mission
Hurlburt Field is home to the 1st Special Operations Wing (1 SOW), a key component of the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC). This base specializes in training and deploying Air Force special operations forces, providing rapid-response capabilities for global missions, including counter-terrorism, humanitarian aid, and special reconnaissance.
History
- Established: 1941 (as Eglin Auxiliary Field No. 9)
- Renamed: Hurlburt Field in 1943, after First Lieutenant Donald Wilson Hurlburt, a distinguished pilot.
- Historical Significance: Over the years, Hurlburt Field has evolved into a hub for special operations. It played a crucial role in various global conflicts, from Vietnam to present-day operations in the Middle East.
Location
- City: Mary Esther, Florida
- Coordinates: 30.4289° N, 86.6898° W
- Website: Hurlburt Field Official Website
- Phone: +1 (850) 884-1110
Hours of Operation
- Visitor Center: Monday–Friday: 7:30 AM–4:30 PM; Closed on weekends and holidays.
- Main Gate: Open 24/7
Base Location and Directions
Address:
Hurlburt Field
223 Cody Ave,
Hurlburt Field, FL 32544
Driving Directions:
- From Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport: Take FL-85 S and turn right onto Cody Ave (approx. 15 minutes).
- From Pensacola: Follow US-98 E to Mary Esther and turn left onto Cody Ave to access Hurlburt Field (approx. 1 hour).
Population
- Active Duty Personnel: Approximately 8,000
- Civilians and Contractors: Around 2,000
- Families and Dependents: Nearly 7,000
- Total Population Served: Over 17,000
Base Resources and Information
- Housing Options: Hurlburt Field offers privatized on-base housing managed by Corvias. Off-base housing is available in nearby areas like Fort Walton Beach, Mary Esther, and Navarre. Contact the Housing Office for assistance at +1 (850) 884-0012.
- Off-base housing options include rental homes and properties for sale in Fort Walton Beach, Mary Esther, and Navarre.
- Current median home prices in Fort Walton Beach: $380,000 (as of 2024).
- Base Transportation: Hurlburt Field is located near U.S. Highway 98, providing easy access to surrounding cities such as Fort Walton Beach, Destin, and Navarre. On-base shuttle services are available, though personal vehicles are recommended for off-base commuting.
- Medical and Emergency Services: Medical care for base personnel is provided by the 1st Special Operations Medical Group at Hurlburt Field, which offers primary care, specialty care, and emergency services. Contact the Health Services Coordinator at +1 (850) 884-0013 for more information.
- Dining Facilities: On-base dining options include the Riptide Dining Facility and several fast-food options. Off-base, Fort Walton Beach and Destin offer a variety of dining experiences, from seafood restaurants to casual eateries.
- Fitness and Wellness Programs: Hurlburt Field features several fitness centers offering cardio equipment, weight training, group fitness classes, and sports fields. The base also offers outdoor recreational opportunities, including access to the Santa Rosa Sound for boating, fishing, and kayaking.
Education:
- On-Base Schools: There are no on-base schools at Hurlburt Field. Children of military personnel typically attend schools in the Okaloosa County School District.
- Off-Base Schools: Families living off-base have access to schools in nearby Fort Walton Beach, Mary Esther, and Navarre. Higher education opportunities are available at Northwest Florida State College and University of West Florida.
- Child Development Center (CDC): Hurlburt Field operates a Child Development Center (CDC), offering daycare services, preschool programs, and after-school care for military families. Contact the CDC for enrollment information.
Things to Do:
- Outdoor Activities: Hurlburt Field is located near the beautiful beaches of the Emerald Coast, offering plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities like swimming, boating, and fishing. The base also features parks, sports fields, and outdoor fitness areas for running, biking, and family activities.
- Shopping and Dining: The base has a commissary and Base Exchange for shopping needs. Off-base, Fort Walton Beach and Destin offer a variety of shopping centers, including Santa Rosa Mall and Destin Commons.
Local Support and Resources:
- Veterans Service Organizations: Local veterans organizations, including VFW and American Legion posts in Fort Walton Beach and surrounding areas, provide support and services for military personnel and veterans.
- Family Support Office: Offers deployment support, financial counseling, family advocacy services, and more. Contact the Family Support Office at +1 (850) 884-0014.
- Legal Services: The Legal Office provides assistance with wills, powers of attorney, and other legal matters. Contact the Legal Office at +1 (850) 884-0015 for more information.
Base History and Mission: Established in 1941, Hurlburt Field is home to the 1st Special Operations Wing, which provides Air Force special operations capabilities in support of U.S. military missions worldwide. The base plays a critical role in supporting special operations and air combat missions.
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is the primary mission of Hurlburt Field? | Hurlburt Field is home to the 1st Special Operations Wing, focusing on rapid-response special operations missions globally. |
| What types of aircraft are based at Hurlburt? | Hurlburt Field hosts various aircraft, including the AC-130 gunship, CV-22 Osprey, and U-28A for special operations missions. |
| What housing options are available? | On-base housing includes single-family homes and townhomes. Off-base options are also available in Mary Esther and Fort Walton Beach. |
| Are there schools on or near the base? | Yes, Hurlburt Field has a child development center and nearby schools in the Okaloosa County School District, known for quality education. |
| What amenities are available for families? | Amenities include recreational facilities, fitness centers, a commissary, exchange, and family support services. |
| Is Hurlburt Field open to civilians? | Visitors must have proper authorization and clearance to access the base. |
| What is the weather like at Hurlburt Field? | The area experiences mild winters and hot, humid summers, typical of the Florida Panhandle. |
| What training takes place at Hurlburt Field? | The base focuses on training Air Force special operations personnel in missions such as counter-terrorism, reconnaissance, and humanitarian aid. |
| Does Hurlburt Field offer healthcare services? | Yes, the base provides primary healthcare services, including a medical clinic and dental services for active-duty personnel and dependents. |
| What recreational options are available? | The base offers various activities, including golf, swimming, hiking trails, and proximity to the Gulf Coast beaches. |
