HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- Hurlburt Field hosted the Florida Defense Support Commission on Sept. 17, 2025.
Members of the commission toured the installation, met with wing leaders and learned more about the role the 1st Special Operations Wing plays in national defense.
The visit gave the commission a close look at Air Force Special Operations Command’s mission. Wing leaders also discussed challenges that affect Airmen and families, such as traffic, housing, childcare and mental health.
“We very much appreciate the opportunity to show the commission members our base, our aircraft and our team members,” said Steve Loken, civilian deputy commander of the 1st Special Operations Wing Civil Engineer Squadron. “This understanding opens the doors to some unique opportunities with the Florida State government to enhance the Hurlburt mission and improve the quality of life for all military, civilians, contractors and their families.”
The commission, created by state law, works to protect military installations, support research tied to military missions and improve Florida’s military-friendly environment for service members, families and defense-related businesses.
“The purpose of our Florida Defense Support Commission is to protect the 20 bases we have here in the state of Florida,” said Sen. Tom Wright, chairman of the Florida Defense Support Commission. “What we can do is advocate… lean on our congressional members and our senators to see if they can push some of that for us too.”
During the visit, members saw static displays of the MC-130J Commando II and the AC-130J Ghostrider gunship. They also received a windshield tour of the installation and met with 1 SOW leadership for a mission briefing.
“Since I’m the hometown representative, I’m extremely proud of what Team Hurlburt did for the commission. It was very educational,” said Rep. Patt Maney. “The state of Florida needs to work quickly, not five years out, not ten years out, at least partially addressing the traffic problem. I’m very proud of what they did in educating the commission members from all over the state about the unique assets and challenges that we have here at Hurlburt.”
The tour gave the commission a better understanding of AFSOC’s role in special operations. Members will share their findings with state leaders as they continue working to advocate for Florida’s military missions.