The Okaloosa County recent job growth is positive; median household income (2021, www.census.gov) is $69,823; unemployment rate in Florida is 2.7% (Jul 23, BLS.gov) and in Okaloosa County it is 2.7% (Jul 23, BLS.gov). Florida State tax 0%, and sales tax is currently 6%.
A major concern in NW Florida is HURRICANE SEASON, from June to November. Call ahead if you are arriving and a hurricane is predicted to hit this area. Watch the Weather Channel and contact your sponsor as Hurlburt Field may be evacuated and the surrounding roads will be congested with people leaving the area.
Water sports and other water related activities are very popular in this area. Ensure that everyone in your party has had a safety briefing before taking part. Parents must brief all kids on the dangers of riptides and rip currents before entering the waters surrounding the Emerald Coast. Riptides and strong undertow will challenge a strong and masterful swimmer. Signs at the swimming areas may not be posted and it is dangerous to swim or play in water where there is no lifeguard.
Most of the venomous snakes found in North America can be found in North West Florida. Be alert for snakes and alligators when you walk in wooded or marshy areas.
Passports and Visas
Ensure member and/or dependents have the required passports and/or visa prior to final out-processing. Member and/or dependents are not allowed to final out-process without the required passports/visas in hand for themselves (if applicable) and/or dependents. Members electing the accompanied tour will not be permitted to out-process without having the required passports/visas in hand for themselves (if applicable) and/or dependents.
These actions are necessary to prevent unforeseen hardships to the military members and their families. Therefore, as a last reiteration, it is essential members do not out-process without having the appropriate passports/visas for themselves (if applicable) and/or dependents.
Defense Service Network (DSN) Dialing Instructions
The DSN is the provider of long-distance communications service for the Department of Defense (DoD). Every installation has a special DSN number and the numbers vary by world-wide location. In order to place a call using DSN, the caller must be using a military phone on an installation. Cell phones cannot dial DSN numbers. When dialing a DSN number from a United States installation to another United States installation, you must dial 94 and then the DSN number. When dialing a DSN number to/from overseas locations, the DSN area code must be included (312/314).
Please view more online in-depth information about Hurlburt Field on MilitaryINSTALLATIONS.
Hurlburt Field is home of the 1st Special Operations Wing (1st SOW), a part of Air Force Special Operations Command AFSOC).
The primary mission of the 1 SOW is to rapidly plan and execute specialized and contingency operations in support of national priorities. The wing's core missions include close air support, precision aerospace firepower, specialized aerospace mobility, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations, and agile combat support.
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 visit Hurlburt Field's homepage.
2023 Population Estimates
The population of Okaloosa County is 220,923, and consists of Ft. Walton Beach, Destin, Crestview, Niceville, Shalimar, Mary Esther, Valparaiso, Laurel Hill, Cinco Bayou and Baker. The estimated population of Santa Rosa County is 198,989.
Active Duty
8,261
Civil Service Employees
1,863
Family Members
11,641
Hurlburt Reservist
784
2,347
Total
24,896
Base TransportationCurrently, there is no base transportation on this installation.
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.
Destin - Fort Walton Beach Airport
If you are driving from Destin-Fort Walton Beach 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. The Northwest Florida Regional Airport code is “VPS”. Website www.flyvps.com
Pensacola International Airport
If you are coming from the Pensacola Airport, take N. 12th Avenue North to I-10, 15 miles East to Highway 87, then South to Highway 98 for 10 miles; in 10 miles Hurlburt Field's main gate will be on the left. The Pensacola International Airport code is “PNS”. Website www.flypensacola.com
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 to 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's 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.
Traveling 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.
Release 2023.08.17.1