Brief Overview of the War In Florida

Florida played a vital role in the larger effort of preparing America's forces and industry for worldwide conflict.  Even before the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, Florida was included in the military's preparations for war.  General "Hap" Arnold, concerned about the lack of training facilities for Army Air Corps pilots in an isolationist climate, struck a deal with civilian air schools to teach Air Corps cadets how to fly.  As the air war escalated in Europe, Allied countries sent aviation cadets to Florida for training away from the combat zone.  Meanwhile, Florida National Guardsmen were incorporated into the 31st (Dixie) Division, which trained at Camp Blanding.  With its mild sub-tropical climate, Florida provided ample flying days to make it a desirable training location for both Army and Naval aviation.

Senator Claude Pepper promoted the state's flat topography and sub-tropical climate as an ideal setting for flight training programs.  The larger Army airfields (AAF) often included Auxiliary Army Airfields, and many Naval Air Stations (NAS) had Naval Auxiliary Air Stations (NAAS) and Outlying Fields (OLF).  Some auxiliary fields even had auxiliary fields of their own, often in very remote areas.  The fields were added as bases expanded to accommodate a growing number of trainees.

As a peninsula, Florida provided miles of coastline for training Army and Navy troops for the amphibious assault tactics necessary to win the war in Europe and in the Pacific.  The vast coastline also meant danger.  Offshore waters saw heightened U-boat activity, with some Allied ships being sunk in sight of locals.  Florida also saw the landing of four German saboteurs, who were apprehended by the FBI.  Rumors of German sailors landing on shore for sight-seeing or buying food were widespread.  Naval Air Stations and the Coast Guard patrolled the coast, sometimes using mounted and canine patrols, to minimize the threats, and the Civil Air Patrol became  an effective force against German U-boat activity.  Eventually, the Navy's "sub chasers," took over the task of combating the submarines.

The war also had an impact on Florida's civilian life.  With its lone seacoast and busy port cities, there were numerous locations well-suited for shipyards, that produced both U.S. Naval and merchant vessels.  Other war-time industries provided jobs for locals and migrants as factories produced military material ranging from amphibious tractors to tents.  Florida's farms also contributed to the war effort.  Citrus, beef, and vegetables fed American soldiers, and foodstuffs helped to sustain the British population as well.