General Jeffrey Geraghty announced at a breakfast for community leaders Tuesday morning the 96th Test Wing would build a ‘Military Family Care Complex’ in Crestview to deal with expanded population growth in the area. 

The base plans to have a facility ready to open in Crestview by the fall of 2023 and another in Navarre at an undisclosed time. 

“Crestview has grown approximately 35% since 2010. Much of its growth is attributed to the military mission, as the city provides housing opportunities for service members and their families. When complete, the CDC will not only provide more childcare options in the city for military families, but also help minimize traffic and improve the quality of life by serving families where they live,” said Tim Bolduc, Crestview city manager.

The complex would, according to 96th Test Wing Public Affairs Unit, include a medical clinic, child development center and military helping agencies for families in the area. 

“Supporting our Team Eglin service members and the families who provide the strong foundation for our force is critical to recruitment, retention, and readiness,” said Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Geraghty, 96th Test Wing commander. “Our military community expands beyond the gates – it makes sense to expand our support services as well.”

The wing is also exploring options to base helping agency services such as Military and Family Life Counseling, a Military Family Readiness Council, School Liaison Office, and Exceptional Family Member Program within the complex, according to the press release. 

This is big news for Niceville and Valparaiso, as most daycare centers in the area are either at childcare capacity or cannot find workers to fill classrooms. 

RELATED: Here’s why its so hard to find your kid a daycare in Niceville. 

Geraghty also mentioned the Air Force Base would work with existing childcare providers to increase their capacity to provide child supervision for working parents in the area.