Military | Navarre Press

Hurlburt Field chaplains wear religious insignia instead of rank

Written by USAF Public Affairs on September 6, 2026. Posted in Faith, Military.

(By Airman Ashton Hamby of 1st Special Operations Wing) Chaplains assigned to Hurlburt Field, Florida, are removing officer rank insignia from their uniforms in accordance with new Department of the Air Force guidance. The guidance, effective since June 15, 2026, directs chaplains to wear their respective religious insignia on all rank-presenting garments of the Operational Camouflage Pattern uniform. This includes the OCP blouse, patrol cap, tactical cap and outer garments.

EOD community to honor 9/11 heroes with two events

Written by Staff Reporters on August 28, 2026. Posted in Community, Military, News.

This Sept. 11 marks 25 years since the world stood still. The terrorist attacks, which took place in New York City, Arlington, Virginia, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania, led to the deaths of around 3,000 people, including hundreds of first responders. The heroic response of many first responders inspired Americans to answer the call and sign up for military service.

Security Forces vehicle damaged by Eglin barrier

Written by Staff Reporters on August 25, 2026. Posted in Military, News.

A U.S. Air Force Security Forces vehicle was seriously damaged at one of Eglin Air Force Base's gates Tuesday, Aug. 25.

Regional leaders discuss Highway 98 solutions at Hurlburt traffic roundtable

Written by USAF Public Affairs on August 19, 2026. Posted in Military, News.

Military leaders, elected representatives and transportation officials gathered for Air Force Special Operations Command’s traffic roundtable at the Freedom Tech Center in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, Aug. 17. The roundtable served as a platform for key representatives to discuss ongoing efforts to reduce congestion along U.S. Highway 98. Attendees reviewed progress made since the first roundtable in 2023 and explored future projects to improve traffic flow along the busy highway.

Patronis seeks national veterans cemetery in Okaloosa County

Written by Collin Bestor on August 12, 2026. Posted in Military, News.

U.S. Rep. Jimmy Patronis has asked the Department of Veterans Affairs to study establishing a national veterans cemetery in Okaloosa County and announced a steering committee to build a case for a roughly 200-acre site in Northwest Florida.

NJROTC welcomes new cadets with NS1 summer camp

Written by Hansen Hasenberg on August 3, 2026. Posted in Community, Education, Military, News.

Navarre High School has a long tradition of Naval Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) excellence. This past week, a new crop of cadets became initiated into the NJROTC family. The new cadets are called NS1s, short for Naval Science 1, the class they will be taking this school year. According to Naval Science Instructor Maj. Jeremy Wheeler (Ret.), there are 27 NS1s going through the introductory camp this year.

Navarre veteran with ALS receives Tunnels to Towers home renovation

Written by Hansen Hasenberg on July 27, 2026. Posted in Community, Military, News.

A Navarre home was recently renovated for a U.S. Air Force veteran living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Tunnels to Towers Foundation, a nonprofit focused on helping first responders, veterans and their families, completed the renovation. Air Force Master Sgt. (Ret.) Pete J. Nikolakakos spent 21 years in the Air Force, mainly working as an aircraft metals technology specialist.

Marine arrested in alleged vehicle theft in Gulf Breeze

Written by Staff Reporters on July 23, 2026. Posted in Crime, Military, News.

A Marine stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, was arrested in Santa Rosa County after allegedly stealing a vehicle. Jhustin James Baker, 22, is charged with vehicle theft. Booked into Santa Rosa County Jail on July 7, Baker is being held for the military.

Pensacola Beach Air Show boss marks 33 years at the helm

Written by Hansen Hasenberg on July 22, 2026. Posted in Community, Military, News.

As the Blue Angels and other aerial acrobats took to the skies over the Emerald Coast this past weekend, one man sat in a stand on Pensacola Beach directing the entire event. Paul Entrekin, a retired Marine and air show aviator, has been the air boss for the Pensacola Beach Air Show for 33 years.

Gulf Breeze artist brings aviation, military history to life with exhibit

Written by Hansen Hasenberg on July 17, 2026. Posted in Community, Military, News.

This summer, the United States celebrated its 250th anniversary. To commemorate the milestone, Pensacola State College's Anna Switzer Gallery has been showcasing an exhibit of 50 paintings depicting America's military history. George Wilson, the artist behind the paintings, is a Gulf Breeze-area resident.