HURLBURT FIELD
AIR FORCE
Mary Esther, FL
United States
HURLBURT FIELD
AIR FORCE
Mary Esther, FL
United States
Hurlburt Field
Base Essentials
Home of Air Force Special Operations Command on Florida's Emerald Coast — a prestigious AFSOC posting with high deployment tempo, strong community cohesion, and prime Gulf Coast beach access.
Base Details
Type
Air Force Base
Branch
AIR FORCE
Command
AFSOC
Status
Active
Est.
1943
Acres
6,600
Active Duty
8,000
Civilian
3,000
Population
285,000
Economic Impact
$1.5 billion
Hurlburt Field History
Named AfterFirst Lieutenant Donald Wilson Hurlburt
Hurlburt Field near Mary Esther, Florida, was established in 1943 as a training auxiliary field. It is the headquarters of Air Force Special Operations Command and home to the 1st Special Operations Wing, which operates specialized aircraft including the AC-130J Ghostrider gunship, MC-130 variants, CV-22 Osprey, and various unmanned systems. Hurlburt Field is the nerve center of Air Force special operations and continues to modernize its fleet and capabilities for global special operations missions.
Units Stationed
Unit
Nickname
Type
Air Force Special Operations Command (HQ)
—
—
1st Special Operations Wing
—
—
Historic Timeline
1943
Eglin Field Auxiliary No. 9 Established
1961
Air Commando Concept Reactivated
1970
Redesignated Hurlburt Field
1990
Air Force Special Operations Command Established
—
View Key Moments
(4)
1943
Eglin Field Auxiliary No. 9 Established
The Army Air Forces established Eglin Field Auxiliary Field Number 9 near Mary Esther, Florida, during World War II. The remote Florida Panhandle location provided secluded ranges and facilities ideal for training unconventional warfare aviators away from the main base's traffic.
1961
Air Commando Concept Reactivated
The 1st Air Commando Group was reactivated at Hurlburt Field, reviving the World War II Air Commando concept for unconventional warfare air support. The reactivation marked the formal beginning of Hurlburt's special operations aviation identity and its mission of supporting U.S. and allied special operations forces.
1970
Redesignated Hurlburt Field
The installation was officially redesignated Hurlburt Field in honor of Lt. Col. Donald D. Hurlburt, a special operations aviator killed in a crash at the airfield in 1943. The redesignation formally recognized the installation's distinct special operations mission separate from main base Eglin AFB.
1990
Air Force Special Operations Command Established
Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) was activated at Hurlburt Field on May 22, 1990, as a major Air Force command, making Hurlburt the permanent headquarters for all Air Force special operations forces. AFSOC directs special operations aviation in support of theater special operations commands worldwide.
Phone Directory
Key phone numbers for Hurlburt Field.
Hurlburt Field Base Gates
Entry points, hours, and access requirements for Hurlburt Field.
Gate hours can change suddenly during special exercises, holidays, and operational periods. We always recommend confirming details before you travel.
Latest News
Recent articles and updates from Hurlburt Field.
PCS & Newcomers
Everything you need to know for your move to Hurlburt Field.
Welcome center hours and contact details can change. We recommend confirming before you visit or call.
Commando Welcome Center
Phone
(850) 884-6245Hours
Monday–Friday, 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM
In-Processing
Upon arrival at Hurlburt Field, new personnel must first report to their unit's Command Support Staff (CSS). If your unit does not have a CSS, report to your Unit Intro Monitor (IM), who will provide the required paperwork and direct you to the Commando Welcome Center in Building 90229. Your assigned sponsor will escort you to the Welcome Center during your scheduled appointment time. Bring at least three copies of your PCS orders, your MPS In-processing Worksheet (IDA worksheet) completed by your unit, AF Form 2096, your most recent Leave and Earnings Statement, and any travel receipts.
At the Commando Welcome Center, you will complete all mandatory in-processing actions in a single visit: processing with the personnel team, completing your SGLI form, updating your vRED, registering for TRICARE, filing your travel voucher, and being scheduled for remaining mandatory appointments. This streamlined process is designed so that members can begin house-hunting leave the following day. Within your first two weeks, you must attend Newcomer's Orientation, held twice monthly at King Auditorium from 0730 to approximately 1430. Spouses are strongly encouraged to attend.
The Military & Family Readiness Center (M&FRC), located at 220 Lukasik Avenue, Building 90213, serves as the primary support hub for relocating families and can be reached at (850) 884-5441. The M&FRC offers relocation assistance, financial counseling, employment help, and the mandatory "Plan My Move" class for Airmen with fewer than four years of service or those on their first PCS. Additional newcomer resources, including area guides, community information, and school liaison services, are available through the M&FRC.
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Sponsor Program Information
Temporary Lodging Details
Open PCS Checklist (14 Items)
Trusted Base Intel. Since 1966.
Join 200,000+ personnel for base news, PCS tips, exclusive discounts, and critical benefits info.
Always free. Unsubscribe anytime.
Sponsor Program Information
Temporary Lodging Details
Housing & BAH
On-post housing, cost of living, and BAH info for Hurlburt Field.
On-post housing at Hurlburt Field is managed by Emerald Coast Military Housing, a Lendlease partnership that also serves adjacent Eglin Air Force Base, with family communities offering 2- to 4-bedroom homes across the Fort Walton Beach area of the Florida Panhandle. Communities feature modern amenities, access to community centers, pools, and fitness facilities, and…
Local Market
$1,900/mo
rent
/
$420,000
avg. home
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Cost of Living Around Hurlburt Field
100
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Housing
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Schools & Education
K-12 schools, colleges, and education resources near Hurlburt Field.
School Liaison Officer
School Liaison Officer
2
Elementary Schools
View schools
1
Middle Schools
View schools
1
High Schools
View schools
4
Colleges & Universities
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Education Resources
Notes, tuition & more
Education Benefits
Check Your GI Bill Eligibility
Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, and more.
Where To Live
Hurlburt Field is the home of Air Force Special Operations Command, located on the Gulf Coast of Florida near Fort Walton Beach. The area — known as the "Emerald Coast" for its clear green Gulf waters and sugar-white sand beaches — is one of the most desirable duty stations in the Air Force. Okaloosa County has excellent schools and a community deeply tied to the special operations mission.
Mary Esther / Shalimar
Suburban
Mary Esther and Shalimar sit directly adjacent to Hurlburt Field and are the most convenient communities for Air Force Special Operations Command families. They offer quick gate access, a range of rental housing, and easy beach access. The SOF community at Hurlburt is tightly knit and well-served by these adjacent communities.
Commute: 5–10 min
Gate: Main Gate (Hwy 98)
Schools: Okaloosa County School District
Single service members
Dual military
Budget-friendly
Families with kids
Some of the best beaches in the world are 10 minutes away at Okaloosa Island. Fort Walton Beach has excellent dining, bars, and nightlife that the AFSOC community takes full advantage of. Okaloosa County schools are A-rated across the district.
Fort Walton Beach
Suburban
Fort Walton Beach is the coastal city just east of Hurlburt with beach access, an active dining and nightlife scene, and a slightly longer but still easy commute to the base. It's the choice for AFSOC families who want to prioritize the Emerald Coast beach lifestyle. The Gulf of Mexico's famous white-sand beaches are right in town.
Commute: 10–20 min
Gate: Main Gate (Hwy 98)
Schools: Okaloosa County School District
Outdoorsy types
Single service members
Families with kids
Okaloosa Island pier and beaches are world-class. The Emerald Coast's restaurant and bar scene rivals destinations twice its size. Close to Destin Harbor for fishing and watersports. One of the most coveted Florida panhandle postings.
Taxes & Finance
State tax policy and financial info for service members at Hurlburt Field.
State Income Tax
None
Military Pay
No state income tax
Retirement Pay
No state income tax
Vehicle Tax Exempt
No
Military Pay Details
Florida has no state income tax. Active duty pay, military retirement, and SBP payments are all completely untaxed at th…
Spouse Income Tax
No state income tax means MSRRA has no practical effect. Military spouses owe zero Florida income tax on wages regardles…
Vehicle Registration
Nonresident service members stationed in Florida are not required to register their vehicles in Florida — SCRA home-stat…
Property Tax
Tiered exemptions by disability rating: 10%+ service-connected disability = up to $5,000 reduction; 100% permanently dis…
Pet Policies at Hurlburt Field
Pet policies, vet services, and resources at Hurlburt Field.
Emergency Vet
Coming soon
On-Base Vet Clinic
Coming soon
Restricted Breeds
7
Prohibited Animals
12
Dog Parks
—
Boarding & Kennels
—
Pet Guidance
2
Max Pets
Leash Laws
Facilities & Services
On-base services and facilities at Hurlburt Field.
Commissary
1
Hurlburt Field Commissary
Click2Go Available
Exchange
BX
Medical
1
1st Special Operations Medical Group — Clinic
Childcare & Youth
CDC Available
MWR & Recreation
2
Fitness Center
Outdoor Rec
Employment & Education
3
Education Center
Spouse Employment
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Hurlburt Field.
01
Are the base gates open 24 hours?
All 2 gates at Hurlburt Field operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Access levels vary by gate — some are restricted to military and DoD ID holders only.
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02
Is there a commissary on base?
Yes, Hurlburt Field Commissary is on-base and open to all authorized DoD ID card holders. Hours: Tue 9am–7pm, Wed 9am–6pm, Thu–Fri 9am–7pm, Sat 8am–6pm, Sun 10am–5pm, Mon closed.
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03
Is there a BX on base?
Yes, Hurlburt Field has a BX (Base Exchange) offering tax-free shopping for authorized ID card holders.
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04
What is the base hospital or clinic?
1st Special Operations Medical Group is the primary military treatment clinic serving Hurlburt Field. Call (850) 884-7478 for appointments or the nurse advice line.
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05
Is there a childcare center on base?
Yes, Hurlburt Field has a Child Development Center (CDC) offering full-day and part-day programs. Waitlists fill quickly — register at MilitaryChildCare.com as soon as orders are received.
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06
Is there temporary lodging on base?
Yes, Hurlburt Field has on-post temporary lodging available for incoming PCS personnel and TDY visitors. Reserve early — spaces fill fast during peak PCS season (May through August).
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07
What school district serves the base?
Okaloosa County School District (rated A) serves most military families at Hurlburt Field. Visit https://www.okaloosaschools.com for enrollment info and the school finder tool.
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08
Are there pet breed restrictions on base?
Yes, on-base housing at Hurlburt Field restricts certain breeds including Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Rottweiler, and others. Contact the housing office or review your lease addendum for the full restricted breeds list.
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09
Is there a gym on base?
Yes, Hurlburt Field has a fitness center available free of charge to active-duty, Reserve, and retired members and their eligible family members. Contact MWR for current hours and locations.
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10
Is military pay taxed in Florida?
Florida has no state income tax, so military members at Hurlburt Field owe no state taxes on military pay, allowances, or retirement income.
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11
How do visitor passes work?
Visitors must be sponsored by someone with base access and should contact the installation's Visitor Control Center in advance with their government-issued ID and vehicle info. Day passes are issued at the gate; extended access may require additional coordination.
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12
What is BAH and how is it calculated?
BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) is a monthly stipend based on your pay grade, dependency status, and the duty station ZIP code — it is not counted as taxable income. Rates are updated each January; use the BAH Calculator in the Finance section to see current figures for Hurlburt Field.
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13
What should I do first after receiving PCS orders?
Contact the gaining installation's housing office and military transportation office (TMO/PPSO) immediately after orders are issued. Apply for on-base housing right away — waitlists at many installations run 6–18 months.
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14
Does TRICARE cover local providers?
TRICARE covers both the on-base military treatment facility and authorized civilian providers in the surrounding community. Use the provider finder at tricare.mil to confirm in-network options near Hurlburt Field.
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Data & Methodology
How we source this −
Information is compiled from DoD publications, official installation websites, and reviewed by military personnel. Independent publication — not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Defense.