Atlantic Fleet Weapons Range

The **Atlantic Fleet Weapons Range** (AFWR) was established in the mid-20th century to provide the U.S. Navy with a dedicated site along the Atlantic coast for live-fire training and weapons testing. Located primarily off the coast of Florida, the range supported Atlantic Fleet air, surface, and subsurface units by offering a controlled environment for missile launches, gunnery exercises, and complex training scenarios. Over the decades, the AFWR played a crucial role in maintaining the combat readiness of naval forces during both the Cold War and subsequent conflicts. The range has evolved with advances in technology, supporting testing of modern precision-guided munitions and integrated warfare systems, and remains an essential asset for U.S. naval operations.