Eglin General Fires Group Commander. This Is Who Will Replace Him:
Colonel Jeremiah Hammill has been removed from his position as commander of Eglin’s 96th Test Wing Civil Engineer Group due to a “loss of confidence to lead and maintain good order and discipline,” as announced by Eglin Public Affairs. Brig. Gen. Mark Massaro emphasized the importance of taking care of the unit’s personnel in his decision. Colonel Michelle Sterling will replace Hammill, with a formal assumption of command ceremony taking place this week.
350th Spectrum Warfare Wing Welcomes New Commander
The 350th Spectrum Warfare Wing celebrated the arrival of its new commander during a change of command ceremony on July 9. Col. Josh Koslov, who has led the wing since 2022, handed over command to Col. Larry Fenner Jr. The ceremony was presided over by Maj. Gen. Case Cunningham highlighted the strategic importance of the wing in high-end warfighting. Under Koslov’s leadership, the wing saw significant developments, including the formation of new units and the execution of its first internal exercise, Rapid Raven 24-1. With extensive experience in electronic warfare, Col. Fenner is set to lead the wing to new heights.
Construction Begins On Photo-luminescent Sidewalk
Okaloosa County officials and local leaders gathered at the entrance of John Beasley Park on Monday, July 8, 2024, to celebrate the commencement of construction for a new multi-use path spanning approximately 4 miles between Brooks Bridge and Marler (Destin) Bridge. This 12-foot-wide path will be constructed on the south side of U.S. Highway 98 and feature photoluminescent stone for nighttime illumination. Funded by tourism revenue and an FDOT grant, the project is set for completion by early 2025.
Okaloosa Island Begins Construction On Multi Use Pathway
On Monday, July 8, 2024, Okaloosa County officials will host a groundbreaking ceremony at John Beasley Park to mark the beginning of construction on a new multi-use path. The event will occur at 7 a.m. at 1550 Miracle Strip Parkway SE, Okaloosa Island. The new path will stretch approximately four miles between the Brooks Bridge and Marler Bridge on Okaloosa Island, providing a safe and scenic route for cyclists and pedestrians.
College dedicates newly renovated Sikes exhibit
The legacy of Bob Sikes, the legendary politician who served Florida’s District 1 in the U.S. House of Representatives for nearly four decades, is being celebrated with a newly renovated exhibition at Northwest Florida State College’s Robert L.F. Sikes Center in Crestview. Local dignitaries and the public gathered for the dedication of the exhibit, which features artifacts from Sikes’ illustrious career, including campaign memorabilia and a collection of taxidermied raccoons, a nod to his nickname “The He-Coon.” NWFSC President Devin Stephenson and current District 1 Rep. Matt Gaetz highlighted Sikes’ enduring impact on the region and the significance of his contributions.
Bears Watch Runners Finish Eglin Gate to Gate
The annual Eglin Air Force Base Memorial Day race welcomed some unexpected spectators this year: a momma bear and her three cubs, who observed the event from a tree. Despite the bears’ presence, roughly 700 participants completed the 4.4-mile run, organized by Eglin’s Force Support Squadron, which honored fallen service members. The event, initiated 37 years ago by General Gordon Fornell, featured a challenging course and a strong sense of community and remembrance.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING: Could This Move Spell the Beginning of the End of The Okaloosa Housing Crisis?
The Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners unanimously voted to send a letter to Eglin Air Force Base Commander General Jeffery Geraghty, seeking his support to acquire a 200-acre parcel currently serving as Eglin’s golf course. The county aims to use this land for affordable housing and commercial space in a community with a median home sale price of $450,000. This initiative follows a collaborative meeting in March between local government leaders and the Air Force to discuss potential land acquisitions.
Can You Hear ‘Em? Eglin Roars to Life for Night Flights.
The 58th Fighter Squadron will perform night flying operations over Eglin Air Force Base and surrounding areas on May 20-22 between 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. Night flying is an essential requirement for the 58th Fighter Squadron training operations. However, night operations could mean a couple of evenings littered with the roar of aircraft flying overhead for civilians.
Changes Coming to Eglin Visitor Protocol May 1. Details:
Changes to how you will be able to get on base as a visitor begin the week of May 1. Here’s what you need to know if you are sponsoring someone – or are a guest on base.
Tally Ho, Old Bean! New British/Australian/Canadian Fighter Squadron Stands Up At Eglin AFB
The No. 80 Squadron stood up at Eglin Air Force Base. The Combined Efforts of the United Kingdom, Australia and Canada will move the Commonwealth’s (and the United States’) interests forward.
