Air Force schedules munitions testing in Gulf waters off Okaloosa Island

EGLIN AFB, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - The U.S. Air Force will conduct munitions testing in the Gulf on Wednesday, Oct. 21.

Eglin AFB officials say testing is scheduled from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., with backup dates set for Oct. 22 and Oct. 23 during the same hours.

All vessels must steer clear of the active hazard zone, which begins roughly 7 nautical miles south of Okaloosa Island and reaches southeast approximately 32 nautical miles off Destin East Pass.

The 96th Test Wing advises anyone encountering unidentified military or test-related debris to avoid touching, moving, or attempting to recover the items. Boaters and beachgoers should mark coordinates or landmarks from a safe distance and report findings to local law enforcement, the U.S. Coast Guard, or the 96th Security Forces Squadron Base Defense Operations Center at (850) 882-2000.

Mariners can monitor active advisories on VHF Channel 16 or HF upper sideband 2182 kHz.

Questions regarding the test schedule may be directed to the 96th Test Wing Public Affairs office at (850) 496-0899.

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