PINECASTLE DET ASTOR, FL

• Origins as a WWII Training Site: Pinecastle Detachment, near Astor, Florida, originated as a military training area during World War II, primarily supporting bombing and gunnery practice for the U.S. Army Air Forces. • Role in Pinecastle Army Airfield: The detachment functioned as an auxiliary to the larger Pinecastle Army Airfield (now Orlando International Airport), providing critical range and support facilities. • Strategic Location: Located in rural Florida, the detachment’s remote setting minimized risks to civilians during live fire exercises and allowed for expansive training operations. • Support for B-17 and B-24 Crews: During WWII, bomber crews trained in the area, honing skills that would be vital in European and Pacific theaters. • Cold War Activities: After WWII, the site continued to be used for military exercises, transitioning to support Air Force and later, Navy training missions. • Environmental Legacy: Decades of training left unexploded ordnance in parts of the area, leading to modern environmental remediation efforts. • Astor Community Connections: The military presence influenced the growth and economy of Astor, with service members and support staff integrating into the local community. • Specialized Missions: Pinecastle Det Astor was known for its use in radar testing, aerial gunnery, and even drone target practice during the early Cold War era. • Deactivation and Legacy: The detachment was eventually deactivated, but its history is preserved in local lore and through historical records maintained by military and civilian agencies. • Modern Recognition: The Pinecastle Det Astor site is listed as a Formerly Used Defense Site (FUDS) by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, highlighting its ongoing significance in military and regional history.