Eglin Air Force Base

Eglin Air Force Base is a military air base in Okaloosa County in the Florida Panhandle, covering more than 720 square miles (1,865 square kilometers). The grounds include pine forests, wetlands, and a long stretch of coastline along the Gulf of Mexico.

The installation opened in 1935 as Valparaiso Bombing and Gunnery Base to train bomber crews. It was renamed in 1937 to honor Lieutenant Colonel Frederick I. Eglin, who died in an aircraft accident.

The visitor center and museum along the main road display original items from decades of air force research, with many exhibits developed right on the grounds. Uniformed personnel and civilian employees work side by side across multiple sectors, shaping daily life on the installation.

Access to the installation requires passing through military security checkpoints at the gates, with visitors needing prior clearance. The museum is open to the public and sits outside the main secure perimeter near the highway.

A portion of the coastal range serves as a test area for rockets and weapons technology, with some launches visible from the beach. The natural habitats within the grounds shelter rare species protected by the limited public access.

Location: Okaloosa County

Inception: June 15, 1935

Official opening: June 15, 1935

Website: http://eglin.af.mil

GPS coordinates: 30.48944,-86.54222

Latest update: December 12, 2025 02:29