The Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) at Hurlburt Field is getting a new leader. An AFSOC Public Affairs Spokesman March 19 said Lt. Gen. Bradley Heithold has been confirmed and will become the new AFSOC commander. He had been nominated for the position by Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel.

Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas -- Hurricanes. It's no secret tropical storms can cause devastating damage across the landscape and lives of those it touches, which is why Sheppard and Eglin teamed up for a hurricane evacuation exercise March 11 and 12. 

The Navarre High School NJROTC Orienteering Team took home 12th place overall at the national competition in Elberton, Ga. March 8 and 9. A total of 22 schools and 331 students from as far away as California competed.

Hurlburt Field – “Off we go into the wild blue yonder..." begins the U.S. Air Force Song, but Airmen at the 1st Special Operations Security Forces Squadron aren't leaving all the flying up to traditional pilots. 

Eglin Air Force Base – The Tricare Service Center at Eglin Air Force Base will close for walk-in services April 1.

The Florida Senate unanimously passed the Florida GI Bill, House Bill 7015, March 11, which is recognized as Florida National Guard Day at the Capitol.

Hurlburt Field – Air Force and Department of Defense leadership provided insight into the Fiscal Year 2015 proposed budget, including growth in special operations, during a briefing to the press March 4.

Washington (AFNS) – Air Force officials released force structure changes March 10 resulting from the fiscal year 2015 President’s Budget announced March 4.

Hurlburt Field – Master Sgt. Ronnie Brickey, United States Air Force Special Operations School Force Protection Branch NCO in charge, received his second Purple Heart during a ceremony at Hurlburt Field Feb. 20 for wounds received in action as an explosive ordinance disposal technician in Iraq. 

Duke Field – Col. David Tabor took command of the Air Force Special Operations Air Warfare Center during an assumption of command ceremony at Duke Field, Feb. 27.