Hurlburt Field

Hurlburt Field is home of the 1st Special Operations Wing (1st SOW) and is one of five Air Force active duty special operations wings and falls under the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC).

Mission
The 1st SOW is a pivotal component of AFSOC's ability to provide airpower to conduct special operations missions worldwide. The primary mission of the 1st 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 (ISR) operations, and agile combat support.

The 1st SOW and Hurlburt Field also plays host to 40 partner units from six major commands including the 505th Command and Control Wing, 24th Special Operations Wing, and the 492d Special Operations Wing (hurlburt.af.mil).

Weather: 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.

Riptides: 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.

Wildlife: 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. Black Bears are common in the area. To coexist with bears, you can secure your garbage, remove food sources that attract bears, and feed pets indoors. Northwest Florida has a wide variety of marine life. A purple flag at a beach in Northwest Florida indicates the presence of dangerous marine life, such as jellyfish, stingrays, or Portuguese man o' war. The flag is not intended to indicate the presence of sharks, but some destinations may use purple to indicate that sharks are present.

Lightning: Lightning occurs with every thunderstorm and, on average, Florida sees around 70-100 days a year with at least one thunderstorm in the state. Because of Florida's vulnerability to thunderstorms and lightning, lightning is one of the most deadly weather hazards in the Sunshine State. Florida has more lightning deaths than any other state(cdc.gov).

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.

• NW Florida can have a very active HURRICANE SEASON, from June to November. Watch the Weather Channel. https://floridadisaster.org and follow the 1 SOW CC Facebook page for up-to-date information regarding the base.
• 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 sunbathing.
• 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.

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.