In the wake of last week’s reports on the potential relocation of the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) from Okaloosa County, Senator Rick Scott issued a statement on Friday confirming that the Special Operations Command will remain at Hurlburt Field.
During the past week, Senator Scott, along with fellow Florida Senator Marco Rubio and Northwest Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz, had been seeking information from Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall regarding “programmatic basing actions” that could involve moving some members of AFSOC away from Hurlburt Field.
In the statement, Senator Scott expressed his relief after a conversation with Secretary Kendall, during which he was informed that the Air Force Special Operations Command would continue its strong presence at Hurlburt Field.
- The base has been home to the Special Operations Command since 1990.
The announcement clarified that approximately 600 of the nearly 9,000 service members stationed at Hurlburt Field will be relocated to Davis-Monthan Air Base in Arizona within the next five years. Their primary objective will be to establish the 492nd Special Operations Wing (SOW) at the Arizona base.
Senator Scott emphasized the significance of Hurlburt Field, stating, “It’s clearly the best place in the nation to train the most lethal military force possible, and for our military members and their families to live.”
- “The quality of life for our service members and families in Florida, especially in Okaloosa County and the Florida Panhandle, is unmatched,” he said. “These communities are known for going above and beyond to support and welcome our military community, provide opportunities for their family members and ensure their children have access to the best education possible.”
“Our service members want to be stationed in Florida,” Senator Scott added. “and I’ll fight like hell to make sure they don’t lose that opportunity.”
