About this Unit
FASOTRAGRULANTDET Cecil Field, or Fleet Aviation Specialized Operational Training Group Atlantic Detachment Cecil Field, was a United States Navy training unit located at Naval Air Station Cecil Field in Florida. Established during the Cold War era, the detachment provided advanced operational and tactical training for naval aviators and flight crews, with a focus on anti-submarine warfare and electronic warfare. Through hands-on instruction and simulation, the unit played a crucial role in preparing aircrews for deployment aboard Atlantic Fleet carriers and patrol squadrons. FASOTRAGRULANTDET Cecil Field continued its mission until the base's closure in 1999, after which its functions were absorbed by other commands.
Historical Facts
• Full Name and Role: FASOTRAGRULANTDET Cecil Field stands for "Fleet Aviation Specialized Operational Training Group Atlantic Detachment Cecil Field." It provided specialized training primarily for Naval Air Station (NAS) Cecil Field, Florida.
• Vietnam War Era: The detachment played a crucial role during the Vietnam War era, training aircrew and maintenance personnel on advanced tactics, weapon systems, and electronic warfare.
• Support for Fleet Readiness: FASOTRAGRULANTDET Cecil Field was essential in ensuring Atlantic Fleet's aviation units remained combat-ready with up-to-date training on new aircraft systems and safety procedures.
• Training Platforms: The unit provided instruction on a variety of aircraft, including the A-7 Corsair II, F/A-18 Hornet, S-3 Viking, and P-3 Orion, which were based at Cecil Field over the years.
• Simulator Training: Advanced flight and weapons simulators were a cornerstone of the detachment, allowing pilots and aircrew to practice emergency procedures and combat scenarios in a safe environment.
• Women in Aviation: In the 1970s and 1980s, the detachment saw the integration of women aviators and maintenance personnel, reflecting the Navy’s evolving diversity policies.
• Closure and BRAC: FASOTRAGRULANTDET Cecil Field was disestablished in the late 1990s following the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process, which led to the closure of NAS Cecil Field in 1999.
• Legacy in Training: Many instructors and students from the detachment went on to serve in key leadership roles in the U.S. Navy, leveraging the advanced training received at Cecil Field.
• Community Engagement: The unit was known for its involvement in the Jacksonville, FL community, hosting air shows, school visits, and charity events that strengthened civilian-military relations.
• Historical Documentation: Memorabilia, training manuals, and photographs from FASOTRAGRULANTDET Cecil Field are now preserved in local museums and naval aviation archives, keeping its history alive for future generations.
