For the first time in more than 20 years, Hurlburt Field plans to open its airpark to the general public in spring 2024, allowing visitors to see the aircraft first-hand and learn more about the history of Air Force Special Operations Command.
“We are dedicated to preserving the legacy of our Air Commandos and we want to share our mission – past, present and future – with our community,” said Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind, AFSOC commander. “We look forward to educating and inspiring our visitors about the rich heritage and traditions that we have here at Hurlburt Field and within AFSOC.”
The park, a one-hour drive from Pensacola, Florida and a three-hour drive from Tallahassee, Florida, features static displays of more than 20 aircraft, flown during eras ranging from World War II to the Korean War and Vietnam War through the Cold War, in addition to the Global War on Terror.
Aircraft featured in the park include an AC-119G Shadow, C-46D Commando, B-25J Mitchell, HH-3E Jolly Green, AC-47D Spooky, T-28A Trojan and an O-1E Bird Dog, to name a few.
In addition to aircraft, the park includes memorials and monuments dedicated to honoring AFSOC heroes, including Master Sgt. John Chapman, a special tactics combat controller who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect his teammates during a conflict in Afghanistan in 2002 and was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his actions.
“The airpark is special because it’s a tangible timeline of special operations and Hurlburt Field,” Schroeder added. “It shows how our Air Commandos innovated and adapted and never settled for the status-quo.”
At this time, officials expect the airpark to open to the public in spring 2024. As construction continues, visitors with base access are able to tour the airpark.
Additionally, there are plans to expand the park to include a museum and heritage center at a later date. Plans to expand the park are being coordinated in partnership with the Air Commando Association, a nonprofit veterans organization committed to preserving the heritage of Air Commandos and to honor their contributions.
PHOTO DETAILS: An AC-130U Spooky gunship is disassembled as part of ongoing construction and renovation projects within the Hurlburt Field Memorial Airpark at Hurlburt Field, Florida, Sept. 18, 2023. For the first time in more than 20 years, Hurlburt Field plans to open its airpark to the general public in spring 2024 – allowing visitors to see the aircraft first-hand and learn more about the history of Air Force Special Operations Command. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Natalie Fiorilli)
