Duke Field
Summary
| Operating Country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Location | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Status | ◉ Active |
| Usage | Military only |
| Year built | 1941 |
| Operating Organization | US Air Force Reserve |
| Units |
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Location & Details
| Coordinates | 30.6503°N, -86.5228°E |
| Elevation | 59 m (194 ft) |
| IATA code | EGI |
| ICAO code | KEGI |
| Runways |
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| Website | www.919sow.afrc.af.mil |
Description
Duke Field, also designated Eglin Air Force Auxiliary Field #3, is a military installation located in Okaloosa County, Florida, south of Crestview. Construction began in January 1941, and the field became operational in 1942. The installation is named for 1st Lt Robert L. Duke. During the 1950s, the 3205th Drone Group used the field to operate radio-controlled B-17 and F-80 aircraft for gunnery practice and nuclear testing support. From 1960 to 1961, the Central Intelligence Agency’s air arm, designated as the 1045th Operational Evaluation and Training Group, operated from the site to modify B-26 Invader aircraft and manage regional logistics. The 919th Tactical Airlift Group was established at the field in 1971, transitioning to the 919th Special Operations Group in 1975.
The base is owned by the Department of Defense and operated by the Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC). The 919th Special Operations Wing (919 SOW) is the host organization and is operationally gained by the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC). Stationed units include the 919th Special Operations Group, which contains the 711th and 859th Special Operations Squadrons. The base also houses the 919th Special Operations Maintenance Group and the 919th Special Operations Mission Support Group. Geographically separate units located at the field include the 413th Flight Test Squadron of the Air Force Materiel Command and Detachment 7 of the Air Force Global Strike Command.
Infrastructure at the installation includes an air traffic control tower, fire protection services, maintenance hangars, and administrative support facilities. The airfield is equipped with an instrument landing system (ILS) and TACAN. Duke Field hosts squadrons of C-146A Wolfhound, U-28A Draco, and MQ-9 Reaper aircraft. It also supports operations and testing for various airframes, including the CV-22 Osprey, HH-60W Jolly Green II, UH-1N Iroquois, and MH-139A Grey Wolf. Specialized C-130 variants, including the AC-130J, HC-130J, and MC-130J, are also utilized at the facility.