Why Eglin?
I think Eglin was chosen as the training base for the F-35.
The 33rd Fighter wing was probably the most successful one in the world flying the F-15s. I know they shot down more Iraqi planes than all other squadrons combined. I don’t know if they are still a combat outfit. Probably not.
Lots of flying room over the gulf of mexico, good bombing ranges nearby, and the Marines heard that even navy pilots could get laid at Destin.