History and Mission

The Pinecastle Range is located on United States Forest Service (USFS) managed land within the Ocala National Forest. The Ocala National Forest was established in 1908. In the early 1940s, the War Department acquired use of 40,587 acres of the Ocala National Forest for the Lake Bryant Bombing and Gunnery Range. Of the 40,587 acres, 23,167 acres were acquired for use by means of a temporary use permit on June 27, 1941. An additional 17,420 acres were acquired by two Memoranda of Understanding, bringing the total acreage to 40,587 acres by January 11, 1943. During World War II, the Lake Bryant Bombing and Gunnery Range was used by the United States Armed Forces Command and was under the jurisdiction of the Pinecastle Army Air Field (AAF) and the Orlando Army Air Base. The site was used for practice bombing, ground gunnery, rocket missions and training facilities for fire fighting details. Following World War II, the War Department determined the site was no longer required. It was declared surplus and the entire site was relinquished back to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) by letter of transfer dated May 20, 1947.

The Pinecastle Range is located in what was the center of the former Lake Bryant Bombing and Gunnery Range. The Navy's agreement with the USDA to use the property dates to August 2, 1951. The Range has been in continuous operation by the Navy since that date. In 1999, the Range became a Government Owned/Contractor Operated (GO/CO) operation. The Navy contracts with a private firm qualified/certified in Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) to operate and maintain the Range. The USFS is responsible for land management and fire suppression at the Range.

The Pinecastle Impact Range is integral to the successful completion of the training mission requirements of forces at Naval Air Station (NAS) Jacksonville and other regional bases. The Navy's need for use of the Range is a function of the tactical and training needs of NAS Jacksonville resulting from its national security-mandated mission, the strategic location and established resources of the Range, and public safety. In addition, training at the Range is typically included in all intermediate and advanced level carrier strike group training exercises conducted by the Atlantic Fleet. These large-scale integrated exercises include Composite Training Unit Exercises (COMPTUEX) which must be completed by every carrier strike group prior to deployment, as well as Joint Task Force Exercises (JTFEX), and carrier strike group sustainment training.

The Navy shares its training environment with the vegetation and wildlife that rely on the habitats found within the Ocala National Forest. Understanding these complex environments and taking the necessary precautions to minimize effects of Navy training activities on these resources are Navy priorities. Environmental protection efforts have been a standard component of Navy operations for decades, enabling vital Navy training while protecting natural resources. Similarly, public safety is one of the Navy's greatest concerns at Pinecastle Range. The Navy cooperates with the USFS to assure the Range is operated in a safe fashion. Range operations can proceed only if conditions are within acceptable parameters to allow safe Range use. For example, ordnance delivery is restricted during times of high fire potential and warning signs are prevalent along the perimeter of the Range. The Navy is dedicated to both environmental stewardship and public safety while still meeting their training mission at Pinecastle Range.