Eglin named historic site

  • Published
  • By Samuel King Jr.
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics named Eglin a historic aerospace site for 2009 during a ceremony Sept. 10 at the Air Armament Museum. 

It was among four other international locations that received the honor this year. 

The selection was to recognize and preserve noteworthy significant cultural and technological contributions made in both aeronautics and astronautics, according to Gerry Harbaugh, an AIAA member. 

"This is a tremendous honor for the base," said Maj. Gen. C.R. Davis, Air Armament Center commander. "It is important we recognize the significant accomplishments that took place at Eglin and the many men and women who've served with dedication throughout the years." 

A bronze plaque commemorating the recognition was mounted on a granite pedestal and placed in front of the museum. 

The plaque reads: "The Valparaiso Bombing and Gunnery Base, activated 14 June 1935 under command of Capt. Arnold H. Rich, was renamed Eglin Field in 1937 for Lt. Col. Frederick I. Eglin, U.S. Air Corps. The first missions of Eglin were to provide both bombing and gunnery training for new pilots and testing of Army Air Corps aircraft and other systems. Eglin's dual role of training and testing continued through World War II, with the establishment of the Air Corps Specialized Flying School and the Air Proving Ground Command. Today, Eglin continues to provide state-of-the-art munitions testing, personnel training and other combat support capabilities for the Air Force, DOD, industry and U.S. allies." 

The other sites named for 2009 were NASA Ames Research Center, North American/Rockwell Downey Industrial site, Igor Sikorsky Airport and Vought-Sikorsky plant and Honeysuckle Creek/Tidbinbilla/Orroral Valley Tracking Station in Australia. 

Dr. Richard Hallion, retired Air Force chief historian, was the guest speaker at the event and outlined the historical importance of Eglin. From the Doolittle raiders to advanced weapons research and testing, Eglin served as a proving ground throughout Air Force history and is now commemorated as such by AIAA.