East Central Florida Regional Planning Council and Northeast Florida Regional Council launch Military Installation Readiness Review for Bugg Spring and Pinecastle Range Complex

February 18, 2026

 

East Central Florida Regional Planning Council (ECFRPC), in partnership with the Northeast Florida Regional Council (NEFRC) and Jacobs Inc., convened regional, state, federal, and military leaders to officially kick off the Bugg Spring and Pinecastle Range Complex Military Installation Readiness Review (MIRR) on Feb. 11. The MIRR process is designed to identify risks, hazards, and vulnerabilities that could affect the military’s ability to carry out critical missions at these installations. The review focuses on conditions both on and off installation property, examining where strategic investments and community-based solutions outside the fenceline can strengthen long-term military readiness.

 

The kickoff meeting brought together key partners and defense stakeholders, including Kenneth Hughes of the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation, Terry McCaffrey, Director of the Office of Military and Defense at the Florida Department of Commerce, Captain Ryan Dexter, Commanding Officer of Naval Air Station Jacksonville, and Captain Jedediah Magda, Executive Officer of Naval Air Station Orlando.

 

Supporting Critical Naval Missions at Bugg Spring

 

During the meeting, Dr. Jahn R. Torres provided an overview of the Underwater Sound Reference Division (USRD) Leesburg Facility (LEFAC) at Bugg Spring. Operated by the Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Newport (NUWCDIVNPT), the USRD is the Navy’s primary activity for underwater acoustic calibration, test, and evaluation measurements. NUWCDIVNPT provides research, development, testing, engineering, and fleet support capabilities for submarines, surface vessels, autonomous underwater systems, and undersea weapon systems. To support this mission, USRD maintains four specialized acoustic measurement facilities — three in Newport, Rhode Island, and LEFAC in Florida.

 

LEFAC serves as the U.S. Navy’s Primary Tactical Towed Array Calibration Center and is the quietest Navy open-water acoustic measurement facility in the United States. The natural characteristics of the Bugg Spring environment create a uniquely balanced, highly controlled acoustic environment, critical for the precise calibration and testing of submarine and surface ship towed array systems.

 

Pinecastle Range Complex: A Vital Training Asset

 

Commanding Officer CDR Ryan Seligman provided a briefing on the Fleet Area Control and Surveillance Facility (FACSFAC) Jacksonville – Pinecastle Range Complex. Located within the Ocala National Forest, the Pinecastle Bombing Range spans 5,698 acres and has been operated by the Navy since August 1951.

 

The Pinecastle Range Complex includes:

• Pinecastle Impact Range – Home to the Navy’s main offices for the Range Department and the Range Operations Center (ROC)
• Rodman Range – Navy-owned property in Putnam County designated as an inert-only range
• Lake George Range – Used for inert ordnance drops and helicopter flare training

 

These ranges support training operations for all branches of the Armed Forces and are used for a wide range of mission-critical activities, including Strike Operations (Strike OPS), Combat Search and Rescue/Pilot Recovery (CSAR/PR), Sharpshooter exercises, RAIDS, and other advanced tactical training.

 

Strengthening Military Readiness Through Regional Collaboration

 

The Military Installation Readiness Review will evaluate factors such as land-use compatibility, environmental constraints, infrastructure vulnerabilities, and other external pressures that may affect installation operations. By identifying challenges and recommending coordinated solutions, the MIRR supports proactive planning that protects both national defense missions and surrounding communities.

 

Through collaboration among regional planning councils, local governments, military leadership, and federal partners, the Bugg Spring and Pinecastle Range Complex MIRR will help ensure these installations remain mission-ready for decades to come.

Established in 1962 as an area-wide association of governments, the ECFRPC is represented by 35 Council members and a skilled staff that provides technical assistance to governments and organizations within the East Central Florida region. The ECFRPC covers eight counties in East Central Florida, including Brevard, Lake, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Sumter, and Volusia. These eight counties include 78 towns and cities, home to an estimated 4.3 million residents. The ECFRPC provides expertise in regional planning, technical assistance, and coordination services that strengthen communities and support economic vitality.

 

The Northeast Florida Regional Council is a multi-county regional planning agency serving Baker, Clay, Duval, Flagler, Nassau, Putnam, and St. Johns Counties. NEFRC works collaboratively to support military readiness, economic development, resilience, and sustainable growth across Northeast Florida.