PINECASTLE DET ASTOR, FL

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Branch

U.S. Navy

Members

About PINECASTLE DET ASTOR, FL

PINECASTLE DET ASTOR, FL, traces its origins to the Cold War era, when it was established as a remote detachment to support training and operational requirements for larger units based at Pinecastle Air Force Base (later McCoy AFB) in Central Florida. The detachment, located near the town of Astor, was primarily used for range support, munitions testing, and as a staging area for air-to-ground training missions. Over the decades, PINECASTLE DET ASTOR played a crucial role in providing realistic training environments for bomber and fighter crews, particularly during the heightened readiness periods of the 1950s and 1960s. Though its operational tempo has shifted with changing military needs, the site remains a testament to the region's enduring contribution to United States airpower and training excellence.

Unit Members

Bill Dernger

U.S. Navy

PINECASTLE DET ASTOR, FLView Profile

Warren Bovarnick

U.S. Navy

PINECASTLE DET ASTOR, FLView Profile

Photos

FR Jose Ferrera III

U.S. Navy • 1981

FR Jose Ferrera III

U.S. Navy • 1981

FR Jose Ferrera III

U.S. Navy • 1981

FR Jose Ferrera III

U.S. Navy • 1981

About PINECASTLE DET ASTOR, FL

About this Unit

Historical Facts

• 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.