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Duke Field

Duke Field is a United States Air Force installation and auxiliary airfield (designated Auxiliary Field #3) located approximately three miles south of Crestview in . It functions as a key support facility for , hosting specialized aviation operations and training. The base is primarily home to the , the only wing in the , which operates AC-130J Ghostrider gunships for , precision strikes, and expeditionary missions in support of ground forces. Established during , Duke Field's construction began in January 1941 as one of the earliest auxiliary fields in the Eglin complex, with initial clearing and grading to support expanding military aviation needs. It played a pivotal role in early wartime efforts, serving as a training site for the 1942 bombers that struck and other Japanese targets. During the , the field hosted experimental guided missile groups, drone testing by the 1st Experimental Guided Missiles Group (later redesignated the 3205th Drone Group in 1951), and operations supporting the 1961 , including transport of personnel and supplies. In the Vietnam era, it facilitated training for U.S. Army Special Operations Forces focused on prisoner-of-war rescue missions. The traces its roots to the unit's activation in 1971 as the 919th Tactical Airlift Group at Duke Field, initially equipped with C-130A aircraft before evolving into capabilities with MC-130E Talon I, MQ-1 Predator drones, and C-130 variants. Today, under the oversight of the 10th Air Force and , the wing provides reserve forces for global contingencies, emphasizing urban and precision firepower support. Notable cultural ties include its use as a filming location for the 1949 Twelve O'Clock High, and a 2008 reunion of surviving Doolittle Raiders featuring a reenactment of their historic takeoff.

Overview

Location and facilities

Duke Field, designated as Eglin Air Force Base Auxiliary Field #3, is situated at coordinates 30°38′55″N 086°31′19″W, approximately 3 miles south of Crestview in . The airfield lies at an elevation of 195 feet (59 meters) above . It is owned and operated by the as an integral component of the complex, serving needs within the broader Eglin Range. The operates under ICAO code KEGI and IATA code EGI, with restricted access as a non-joint-use facility supporting specialized flight operations. As a key hub for the Reserve, Duke Field facilitates testing, training, and deployment activities, including support for aircraft such as the CV-22 Osprey and MQ-9 Reaper.

Historical naming and significance

Duke Field, an auxiliary airfield of in , derives its name from 1st Lt. Robert Lewis Duke, a U.S. Army Air Forces officer whose contributions to testing exemplified the risks and innovations of early II-era military flight operations. Born in , Duke transitioned from a civilian career as an insurance salesman to enlist in the Army Air Corps in 1941, completing and earning his commission in 1943. Assigned as a at Eglin Field, he conducted evaluations of , including armaments, radios, cameras, and bombs, playing a vital role in advancing aerial capabilities during the . Tragically, on December 29, 1943, at the age of 24, Duke perished in an aircraft crash during a test mission near , when he lost control of the plane. In recognition of his service and sacrifice, Eglin’s Auxiliary Field 3—initially established through clearing and grading that began on January 23, 1941, as part of the base's wartime expansion—was renamed several years after his death. This renaming honored a dedicated aviator whose work supported critical activities at Eglin, reflecting the field's foundational role in testing and . The naming of Duke Field aligned with broader conventions in the U.S. military, where auxiliary installations were frequently dedicated to fallen service members to commemorate their contributions to progress and to foster morale among personnel. Such tributes set a precedent for honoring pioneers in military flight, emphasizing the human cost of technological advancement and ensuring that fields like Duke served not only operational purposes but also as enduring symbols of sacrifice within the Army Air Forces.

History

World War II establishment

Duke Field, initially known as Eglin Auxiliary Field No. 3, was constructed as one of the earliest auxiliary installations in the Eglin Field complex to bolster the U.S. Army Air Corps' training capabilities amid rising tensions leading into . Clearing and grading work began on January 23, 1941, with the initial site preparation completed by mid-1941, enabling the field to support operations soon after. Foundations for the first buildings were laid on February 15, 1942, marking the transition from basic infrastructure to functional facilities. The field's primary role was to augment bombing and gunnery range operations at Eglin Field, focusing on flexible gunnery training for aircrews through live-fire exercises conducted over the adjacent . This setup allowed for realistic combat simulations in a controlled environment, emphasizing aerial gunnery proficiency essential for and personnel. As part of Eglin's broader , Duke Field contributed to testing and refining armament tactics, preparing thousands of airmen for overseas deployment. Key activities at the field during included hosting the Doolittle Raiders in March 1942, where they conducted short takeoff practices in B-25 bombers ahead of their April raid on Tokyo. The site facilitated combat simulation training for units equipped with heavy bombers like the B-17 and B-24, as well as P-47 fighters, supporting intense operational tempos that reached over 1,000 sorties per month by 1943. Following the attack on December 7, 1941, rapid expansion occurred with the erection of temporary hangars and barracks to handle surging personnel and accelerate training for frontline deployment. In recognition of a tragic incident, the field was renamed Duke Field after Lt. Col. Robert L. Duke, killed in a test flight crash on December 29, 1943.

Cold War operations

During the 1950s, Duke Field served as the base for the 3205th Drone Group, part of the Air Proving Ground Command, which specialized in operating radio-controlled surplus aircraft as aerial targets for weapons testing. The group primarily utilized modified B-17 Flying Fortresses (designated QB-17 or DB-17) and F-80 Shooting Stars (QF-80) s to simulate enemy aircraft in gunnery, bombing, and missile practice exercises conducted over the Eglin AFB range complex. These operations supported the U.S. Air Force's post-World War II transition to jet-age weaponry, providing realistic, expendable targets that enhanced accuracy and safety in live-fire training without risking manned aircraft. By the mid-1950s, the 3205th had refined drone control techniques, including radio guidance from mother ships, which became foundational for later unmanned systems. In 1960–1961, Duke Field played a covert role in preparations for the by hosting B-26 Invader aircraft flown by pilots training to overthrow Fidel Castro's regime. The base's facilities were used to "sanitize" up to 18 B-26s by removing U.S. markings and repainting them in Cuban Air Force colors, while providing logistics, maintenance, and tactical training for the exile crews under strict secrecy. Nighttime arrivals and week-long mission rehearsals at Duke Field ensured operational readiness, with eight B-26s launching from Eglin AFB on April 15, 1961, to conduct initial strikes on Cuban airfields. This support highlighted Duke Field's emerging capacity for clandestine operations amid escalating tensions in the . Throughout the and , Duke Field contributed to efforts as part of the Eglin AFB complex through modifications and testing of AC-119 gunships, adapted from C-119 Flying Boxcar transports into platforms equipped with miniguns and sensors for nighttime . As part of Eglin AFB's Armament Development and Test Center, the field hosted temporary units for prototyping and evaluating these aircraft, including sensor integration and calibration against simulated enemy convoys. Additionally, the base facilitated simulations, where assets from the evolving program were employed to mimic threats and jamming scenarios, refining tactics for operations. These activities underscored Duke Field's strategic value in advancing aerial and countermeasures during the . Duke Field's Cold War operations significantly advanced the U.S. Air Force's drone program, evolving from basic target drones in the 1950s to integrated assets supporting and by the 1960s. The 3205th Drone Group's work at the field laid groundwork for unmanned systems that influenced broader deterrence strategies, including nuclear effects testing and combat simulations, ensuring technological superiority against Soviet advancements.

Transition to special operations

Prior to the activation of reserve units, Duke Field had already demonstrated its utility for such training, including preparations for the 1970 Son Tay Raid, where joint active-duty teams rehearsed prisoner-of-war rescue tactics on a full-scale mock-up at the site due to its isolation and environmental similarity to . The transition to special operations at Duke Field advanced on July 1, 1975, when the 919th Special Operations Group (919 SOG) was redesignated as the first Air Force Reserve unit dedicated exclusively to special operations forces (SOF), initially equipped with AC-130A Spectre gunships transferred from active-duty units. This redesignation marked a pivotal shift from Duke Field's prior role in general tactical airlift and testing to supporting specialized SOF missions, leveraging the base's remote location and existing infrastructure for low-observability training. During the 1970s and 1980s, Duke Field became a key venue for SOF training by reserve forces. The 919 focused on low-level using C-130 variants for , airdrops, and night navigation to support . This era's efforts built on drone legacy from units like the 3205th Drone Group, which tested unmanned systems at Duke Field that later informed SOF aerial techniques. Aircraft operations evolved with the upgrade from AC-130A to AC-130H models in the , enabling enhanced night operations and simulations critical for SOF ground teams. These gunships emphasized precision in contested environments, with at Duke Field incorporating infrared sensors and for realistic low-altitude scenarios. A key milestone in the was the expansion to incorporate MC-130 Combat Talon , which facilitated special tactics insertion, resupply, and for elite forces during joint exercises.

Post-Cold War developments

In the early 1990s, the 919th (SOG) underwent a significant reorganization as part of broader efforts to align reserve units with active-duty structures. On June 1, 1992, the unit was redesignated as the 919th (SOW), enhancing its role in providing reserve support for missions. This redesignation coincided with active involvement in post- contingencies, including the deployment of five AC-130A gunships from the 919th SOG to Southwest Asia starting January 17, 1991, in support of Operation Desert Storm, where more than 300 reservists were mobilized for and interdiction missions. These efforts underscored the wing's transition to a more expeditionary focus following the Cold War. By 2000, Duke Field saw an influx of active-duty personnel and capabilities through the relocation of the (SOS) and the 716th Maintenance Squadron (MXS) from nearby , approximately 26 miles away. The move, effective February 18, 2000, for the , integrated these units with the reserve 919th SOW to consolidate training and maintenance resources, particularly for emerging platforms. This arrangement facilitated the introduction of CV-22 Osprey training at Duke Field, with the transitioning to operate the aircraft for infiltration, exfiltration, and resupply missions. Duke Field hosted a notable historical commemoration in 2008 with the Doolittle Raiders Homecoming event, a reenactment of the World War II training missions conducted at the then-Eglin Field. Held May 28-31, the event featured three restored B-25 Mitchell bombers performing takeoff and flight demonstrations at Duke Field on May 31, attended by seven surviving Raiders, including Maj. Gen. Davy Jones and MSgt. Ed Horton, along with hundreds of military personnel and community members. The ceremonies and static displays honored the Raiders' 1942 preparation for the Tokyo raid, raising funds for a new Fisher House at Eglin Air Force Base while marking one of the final gatherings of the aging veterans. Infrastructure enhancements and operational expansions defined the 2010s and at Duke Field. A major runway resurfacing project began in February 2009, lasting four months and requiring the temporary relocation of aircraft to Eglin Air Force Base's main airfield to address wear from heavy traffic and weather exposure. By the late , the 919th SOW activated MQ-9 Reaper remotely piloted aircraft operations at Duke Field in association with the active-duty , enabling intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions with takeoffs documented as early as 2016 and ongoing integration by . The wing also provided sustained support for global operations, with the 919th Security Forces Squadron as the first Air Force Reserve unit activated for in 2001, followed by extensions mobilizing nearly 550 reservists by October 2002; similar activations continued for in later years. In April 2025, the 919th SOW began transitioning one of its warfighting missions to the AC-130J Ghostrider gunship, realigning reserve special operations capabilities for future contingencies.

Mission and operations

Primary roles

Duke Field primarily serves as the host installation for the 919th Special Operations Wing, the sole special operations wing in the Air Force Reserve, enabling reserve component contributions to U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) missions worldwide. The wing, in classic association with the active-duty 492nd Special Operations Wing, delivers personnel and expertise for non-standard aviation, foreign internal defense, and special operations tasks, emphasizing rapid-response capabilities for global contingencies. These efforts align with USSOCOM's strategic objectives by maintaining reserve forces equipped for deployment within 72 hours, ensuring surge capacity for high-priority operations. In July 2025, the transitioned to operational missions with the AC-130J Ghostrider , marking a return to its historical roots. The 711th Special Operations Squadron, based at , , now conducts , strikes, and in support of forces. Core missions at Duke Field center on infiltration and exfiltration of forces, strike operations, and , , and , supported by a mix of manned and unmanned platforms. The MQ-9 Reaper conducts , , (ISR), , and strikes, providing persistent overwatch and targeted engagement in contested environments. Similarly, the C-146A facilitates flexible, low-observable transport for small teams and cargo, enabling covert insertion and extraction in austere locations. As an auxiliary to , Duke Field functions as an overflow site for validating equipment and testing non-nuclear munitions, integrating reserve assets into broader developmental efforts. This synergy enhances SOF readiness by leveraging Eglin's test infrastructure for real-world simulations of precision-guided weapons and advanced systems, ensuring seamless with active-duty forces.

Training and support activities

Duke Field serves as a key hub for forces (SOF) training, where the conducts annual cycles to qualify SOF on platforms such as the C-146A Wolfhound and MQ-9 Reaper. These cycles emphasize advanced skills, including night vision goggle (NVG) operations and simulations of adverse weather conditions, to prepare for infiltration, resupply, and personnel missions in contested environments. Training incorporates tactical formation flying, low-altitude airdrops, and integration with ground forces, ensuring proficiency in dynamic scenarios typical of SOF deployments. Duke Field also supports tiltrotor training scenarios for the CV-22 , including landings on simulated carrier decks for active-duty units. In support roles, Duke Field provides comprehensive maintenance and for transient visiting from other AFSOC units, enabling seamless operations during high-tempo exercises. The base hosts joint exercises involving and SOF units, such as the Emerald Warrior series, where the 919th SOW leads planning to integrate air mobility, , and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities across services. These exercises simulate real-world contingencies, fostering and rapid response tactics among multinational partners. Recent adaptations at Duke Field include the integration of (VR) simulators for tactics training, enhancing mission rehearsal for platforms without full aircraft utilization. Additionally, drone operator certification programs for the MQ-9 Reaper are conducted through the 2nd Squadron, focusing on sensor operation, remote piloting, and support in association with active-duty units. These programs utilize ground control stations to certify operators for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance roles. For deployment support, Duke Field's facilities enable rapid mobilization of up to 1,300 reservists on-site, with infrastructure for quick activation and sustainment during global contingencies, as demonstrated in past operations like Enduring Freedom where hundreds were deployed. This capability aligns with the wing's primary SOF missions by providing a scalable and backbone for expeditionary operations.

Based units

Air Force Reserve components

The (919 SOW) serves as the sole special operations wing in the Air Force Reserve, headquartered at Duke Field, , and providing critical support to (AFSOC) missions worldwide. Established on June 1, 1992, through the redesignation of the earlier 919th Special Operations Group, the wing employs approximately 1,300 personnel, including over 280 Air Reserve Technicians who form the core of its full-time workforce, alongside part-time reservists, civilians, and members. Its structure emphasizes integrated operations, maintenance, and support functions tailored to special operations requirements, such as non-standard aviation, , and combat aviation advisory programs. Key subordinate units under the 919 SOW include flying squadrons that contribute to its operational depth, though several are geographically separated at for specialized training and execution. The 5th Squadron focuses on and special operations aircrew development, historically supporting like the C-145A before contributing to broader AFSOC transitions. The 711th Squadron handles and operational , transitioning to the AC-130J Ghostrider in July 2025, with initial operational capability planned for fall 2026 and full operational capability in mid-2028, enabling precision fire for special operations forces. Complementing these, the 919th Squadron provides functions, including operations and . The 859th Squadron operates the C-146A for special operations air mobility, , , , and resupply . Additionally, the 2nd Squadron operates the MQ-9 for , , , and roles in of global contingencies. Support elements at Duke Field, including the 919th Group and Group, ensure logistical, engineering, security, and medical readiness for all wing activities. Historically, the 919 SOW marked a milestone as the first Air Force Reserve unit fully activated for combat following the , 2001, attacks, mobilizing up to 600 members in support of by late 2001 and deploying over 550 personnel by 2002 for special operations tasks in and beyond. This activation underscored the wing's rapid-response posture, with reservists contributing to infiltration, resupply, and missions amid the Global War on Terrorism. As of November 2025, the 919 SOW maintains full operational capability for global support, leveraging its diverse fleet and personnel to execute AFSOC-directed taskings without announced major relocations, though select flying elements operate from adjacent to optimize training and deployment efficiency. The wing continues to evolve, integrating advanced platforms like the AC-130J to enhance total force integration with active-duty components while sustaining its reserve-specific focus on high-impact, expeditionary contributions.

Active duty and tenant units

Duke Field hosts a limited active duty presence primarily through tenant units associated with the (AFSOC), focusing on support for training and non-standard aviation missions. The (492nd SOW), an active duty unit, maintains several elements at the field in a classic association with the resident reserve wing, providing operational and maintenance support for aircraft like the C-145A, C-146A, and AC-208. Key tenant squadrons include the 492nd Support Squadron (492nd SOSS), which handles current operations, weapons and tactics, aircrew , intelligence, communications, and operational medicine for combat air advisors and non-standard platforms. Additionally, the newly activated 492nd Theater Air Operations Squadron operates from Duke Field, supporting air-to-ground integration and power projection, though with occasional activations pending full operational capability. These units augment AFSOC's broader mission by leveraging Duke Field's facilities for specialized . Maintenance support for transients and operations is provided by the 919th Squadron, which collaborates closely with elements under the total force integration model, ensuring readiness for aircraft during visits and joint exercises. This cross-service maintenance enhances the field's role as a hub for AFSOC activities without hosting permanent large-scale active . In 2025, following AFSOC's reorganization, the footprint at Duke Field has been reduced as part of a broader to consolidate resources. Approximately 600 airmen from the 492nd SOW, including elements of the Theater Air Operations Squadron and support functions, are relocating to Davis-Monthan Base, , to form a new wing, with no additional permanent active squadrons departing the field as of 2025. This shift emphasizes reserve augmentation for remaining operations at Duke Field.

Infrastructure

Airfield and runways

Duke Field's primary runway, designated 18/36, measures 8,025 feet in length by 150 feet in width and is surfaced with asphalt, concrete, and . The runway's weight-bearing capacity is rated at a pavement classification number (PCN) of 47/F/B/W/T, enabling it to accommodate heavy such as the C-130 Hercules and CV-22 Osprey employed in missions. It features high-intensity runway edge lights, (PAPI) systems, and an (ILS) with LOC/GS for precision approaches, along with (ALSF-1) on Runway 18. The airfield includes a secondary assault strip measuring 3,500 feet by 60 feet, designed for tactical landings and short-field operations. This strip supports TACAN navigation aids and is equipped with lighted thresholds to facilitate operations in low-visibility conditions. Maintenance of the airfield infrastructure includes a full resurfacing of the primary completed in 2009 following a four-month repair project to address wear from and weather exposure. Annual inspections are performed to verify structural integrity and ensure ongoing compatibility with the demands of .

Support and operational facilities

Duke Field's support and operational facilities encompass a range of ground infrastructure designed to sustain aircraft and personnel, including , emergency response, maintenance hangars, fuel , and transient accommodations. The tower at Duke Field is operated by the 96th Operations Support Squadron of the at , providing essential services for the airfield's diverse missions as an auxiliary field. The facility is fully staffed around the clock and integrates radar approach control with Eglin Main's airspace, handling approximately one-third of incoming traffic from the Eglin Reservation, which includes aircraft. This setup ensures seamless coordination for high-tempo operations involving reserve and active-duty units. Aircraft rescue and firefighting (ARFF) services at Duke Field are provided through the Fire Department, with dedicated facilities including located on the installation to support rapid response on the flightline. As of 2025, a new is under construction to modernize facilities and enhance response capabilities. The department maintains ARFF services across , equipped with crash trucks and apparatus capable of addressing incidents involving aircraft such as the CV-22 , which carries significant fuel loads for missions. Firefighters from the regularly train for ARFF scenarios, emphasizing readiness for aircraft blazes and emergency deployments. Hangars and maintenance infrastructure at Duke Field include the Special Operations Forces (SOF) Combined Squadron Operations Facility, constructed in the early 2020s to support reserve and active-duty special operations squadrons such as the 859th and 524th Special Operations Squadrons. This facility enables flight planning, mission briefing, and operational coordination, including support for the MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial system employed by the 919th Special Operations Wing in association with active-duty units. Adjacent maintenance areas feature multiple bays dedicated to the upkeep of aircraft like the AC-130J Ghostrider, managed by the 4th Special Operations Aircraft Maintenance Squadron to ensure mission readiness. Fuel storage at Duke Field consists of bulk tanks with a total capacity of 200,000 gallons (as of 2011), comprising two 100,000-gallon aboveground storage tanks upgraded in the early to meet increased operational demands. Transient personnel are accommodated in and facilities such as the Duke Inn, which offers visitor's quarters and temporary rooms equipped for short-term stays during training and deployments. Recent infrastructure enhancements include cyber-secure communications centers, integrated into networks to facilitate protected data exchange, with ongoing Air Force-wide modernization efforts supporting these upgrades by 2023.

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