Military | Navarre Press

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.

Navarre Library hosts NAS Whiting Field reading event

Written by Hansen Hasenberg on July 9, 2026. Posted in Community, Military, News.

This summer, Navarre Library and other libraries across Santa Rosa County are "unearthing" literacy through the Summer Reading Program. The annual program features events designed to promote reading among children in kindergarten through fifth grade. During its "Unearthing History" program, the library invited NAS Whiting Field Public Affairs Director Jamie Coffey to read a book and share the history and mission of the naval air station.

American Legion Post 382 continues mission of service in Navarre

Written by Hansen Hasenberg on July 2, 2026. Posted in Community, Military.

With the nation's 250th anniversary this July, much of the focus has been on grand displays of patriotism such as fireworks, concerts and parades. While the July 4 holiday is a celebration of freedom, it's important to remember who has made the freedoms Americans enjoy possible: veterans. One organization that has not forgotten the sacrifices of America's veterans is the American Legion. With more than 1.6 million members, it is the nation's largest veterans service organization and regularly supports veterans through advocacy, programs and events.

America 250: Northwest Florida’s role in the nation’s history

Written by Hansen Hasenberg on July 1, 2026. Posted in Community, Military, News.

As the United States prepares to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, communities across the country are talking about the role they played in the founding of the nation.

Thunderbirds returning to Eglin after more than a decade

Written by Collin Bestor on June 26, 2026. Posted in Military, News.

It has been more than 10 years since Eglin Air Force Base opened its gates to the public for an air show. In April 2027, that will change.

Clergy Day connects local pastors with military chaplains

Written by Hansen Hasenberg on June 24, 2026. Posted in Faith, Military.

With Northwest Florida home to several military installations and a large veteran population, local churches play an important role in serving the military community. Recently, about 20 faith leaders from churches and ministries in Escambia, Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties visited Hurlburt Field to attend Clergy Day, an event dedicated to helping church leaders better understand the military community, its challenges and its mission.