Eglin Air Force Base officially opened its newest dormitories, buildings 820 and 822, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on July 23. This significant event marks a major step in providing high-quality, no-cost housing for the installation’s newest Airmen.
The two new dormitories are designed to house 288 Airmen, increasing Eglin’s total on-base dorm capacity to 853 service members. This expansion aims to enhance the living experience for junior enlisted personnel.
Brig. Gen. Mark Massaro, 96th Test Wing commander, expressed his gratitude for the collaborative effort behind the project. “Thanks to the committed efforts of many, today, construction is complete,” said Massaro. “These great new facilities provide homes for our Team Eglin junior enlisted force and allow them to focus on being mission-ready Airmen.”
Each of the new dormitories features 36 suites, with a total of 144 rooms per building. The living spaces are designed to meet the evolving needs of Team Eglin’s junior enlisted Airmen, offering private furnished bedrooms equipped with full-sized beds, desks, chairs, refrigerators, fully equipped kitchens, and washer/dryer combos.
Airman 1st Class Jayden Watlington, a load crew member with the 96th Maintenance Squadron, shared his enthusiasm for the new facilities. “You’re moving into a brand-new, top-tier facility,” Watlington stated. “It’s a place we can take pride in and enjoy, and it really shows how much Eglin values us.”
Pro Communi Bono
St. Francis De Sales, Ora Pro Nobis!
