Boat operations begin next week

Residents may experience aircraft noise when the 53rd Weapons Evaluation Group conducts boat operations in the Gulf of Mexico and flight operations over Eglin’s east and west land ranges, Nov. 4 to 7. Ground-based smoke simulators will be activated on Eglin’s eastern range, just east of Choctaw Beach, as well as in the Gulf of Mexico approximately 20 nautical miles south of Destin Pass.

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. — Residents may experience aircraft noise when the 53rd Weapons Evaluation Group conducts boat operations in the Gulf of Mexico and flight operations over Eglin’s east and west land ranges, Nov. 4 to 7.

Ground-based smoke simulators will be activated on Eglin’s eastern range, just east of Choctaw Beach, as well as in the Gulf of Mexico approximately 20 nautical miles south of Destin Pass.  The smoke generators may produce large amounts of smoke visible to the public.

Each day, fighter aircraft will release munitions between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. approximately 20 nautical miles south of Destin over the Gulf of Mexico, and over the western land range.  The drops will be conducted within a cleared range safety area which includes boat surveillance in the gulf.  Notices to mariners will be issued prior to missions. In addition, flyers will be handed out at the local marina.

These operations are part of the 53rd Wing’s Weapon System Evaluation Program. For more information, call the Team Eglin public affairs office at 882-3931 or the 53rd Wing public affairs office at 882-0423.