MILITARY

Brig. Gen. Mark Massaro takes command of 96th Test Wing at Eglin Air Force Base

In a ceremony steeped in military tradition, Brig. Gen. Mark Massaro assumed command of the 96th Test Wing from Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Geraghty on July 3, 2024. The change of command took place in the McKinley Climatic Laboratory, providing a climate-controlled setting for the event.

• Maj. Gen. Evan Dertien, Air Force Test Center commander, presided over the ceremony, which was attended by Congressman Matt Gaetz, local community leaders, and members of the 96th Test Wing.

In his opening remarks, Maj. Gen. Dertien highlighted the significance of Eglin Air Force Base and its role in developing joint capabilities to support national objectives. “Eglin is on the leading edge of forging new technologies into fielded capabilities and supporting a diverse array of joint activities,” Dertien said.

He emphasized the crucial partnership between Eglin and the surrounding communities, calling it “foundational to the mission execution.” Dertien noted that this partnership dates back to the 1930s when Eglin was first established to train pilots for World War II.

Dertien praised the 96th Test Wing’s accomplishments under Geraghty’s leadership, including supporting 20,000 personnel across the 724-square-mile range and establishing an artificial intelligence proving ground. He also highlighted initiatives to increase childcare capacity and advance family support programs.

• “Throughout all the accomplishments, Brigadier General Geraghty’s focus has been on people and the future,” Dertien said. He also recognized Geraghty’s wife, Nora, for her dedication to the families of the Eglin community, including her work with the Airman’s Attic and mentoring for the Eglin Spouses Club.

As part of the ceremony, Geraghty was presented with the Legion of Merit. The citation noted his stewardship of the Department of Defense’s busiest airfield and the United States Air Force’s largest test range. Under his command, the wing executed 579 flight and ground testing programs with a combined budget of over $1.1 billion.

In his farewell remarks, Geraghty expressed gratitude to the Eglin community and his team. “Team Eglin, I had such high expectations for you. You went and exceeded those expectations time after time,” he said. He also thanked the local community for their support, calling the Eglin area a “gracious and patriotic community.”

• Geraghty and his family will be moving to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio, where he will lead the Air Force Security Assistance and Cooperation Directorate.

Incoming commander Brig. Gen. Massaro brings a wealth of experience to his new role. A combat-proven fighter pilot, instructor, and evaluator, Massaro is also an engineer and test pilot. He previously commanded a classified assignment and served as the 495th Operations Group commander at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina.

In introducing Massaro, Maj. Gen. Dertien highlighted his strong family values and devotion to selfless service. Massaro’s wife, Becky, is an engineer who has teleworked throughout their 20-plus year career. Their son, Joey, is an engineering student at Purdue, while their daughter, Jenna, is pursuing an aviation degree at Utah State University.

In his first address as commander, Massaro expressed his excitement about returning to Eglin after 15 years. “I’m humbled to be here today as the commander of the 96th Test Wing,” he said. Massaro outlined his priorities as executing the mission, caring for people, and partnering for success.

• He emphasized the wing’s role in advancing the Air Force’s operational imperatives, including strengthening the nation’s air-delivered arsenal, enhancing navigation and guidance systems, and developing joint all-domain command and control systems.

Massaro also stressed the importance of partnerships, both within Team Eglin and with the local community. “I am committed to continuing the strong relationships that have been built up over these past years as we partner for success,” he said.

The ceremony included several traditional elements, such as the passing of the unit guidon to symbolize the transfer of command. The 96th Test Wing Honor Guard presented the colors, and General Geraghty’s daughter sang the national anthem.

• As part of the welcome for the new commander, an F-16 aircraft was unveiled bearing Massaro’s name.

The change of command ceremony highlighted the critical role of the 96th Test Wing in supporting national defense objectives. As the largest installation in the U.S. Air Force, Eglin Air Force Base hosts a complex mission set that includes weapons development, advanced spectrum warfare, and training for special operations forces and other specialized units.

The event concluded with the Air Force song, marking the official transfer of leadership. Brig. Gen. Massaro now leads the wing’s efforts in testing and evaluation of systems critical to U.S. military capabilities in an era of great power competition.

PUBLIC SAFETY

Operation Dry Water launches in Destin to crack down on impaired boating

On July 3, 2024, a coalition of law enforcement agencies and boating safety organizations gathered at U.S. Coast Guard Station Destin to launch Operation Dry Water, a nationwide campaign aimed at reducing alcohol and drug-related boating incidents and fatalities.

• The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) hosted the kickoff event for the annual initiative, which will feature heightened awareness and enforcement efforts from July 4-6 across the United States.

“Florida is the boating capital of the world, with over one million registered vessels,” said Col. Brian Smith, Director of Law Enforcement for FWC. “During Operation Dry Water weekend, law enforcement officers will increase patrols statewide looking for any signs of reckless boating or boater impairment.”

Smith emphasized that operating a vessel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal on all bodies of water, carrying consequences that range from criminal charges to serious injuries or death. In Florida, the legal blood alcohol limit for boating mirrors that of driving a vehicle: 0.08.

Lt. Col. Rob Rowe, Deputy Director of Law Enforcement for FWC, focused on the critical importance of proper safety equipment. “Make sure you know where your life jackets are, that they’re accessible and serviceable, and that you have the right size for the intended wearer on the vessel,” Rowe advised.

Taylor Kirsche, Communications Director for the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA), highlighted the impact of Operation Dry Water since its inception in 2009.

•  “Over 6,500 impaired operators have been removed during Operation Dry Water weekends from our nation’s waterways, preventing dangerous and potentially tragic consequences,” Kirsche reported.

Local law enforcement has seen the fruits of these efforts firsthand.

Okaloosa County Sheriff Eric Aden shared encouraging news Wednesday morning. “That number decreased significantly from 2022 to 2023 by 77%,” Aden announced, attributing the dramatic drop to increased enforcement and the growing use of livery vessels with hired captains.

Destin Mayor Bobby Wagner emphasized the importance of water safety within the community. “We’re a destination, we’re a military community, we’re a community of fishermen, livery vessels, and everyone in between that likes to get on the water,” Wagner stated. “This water is what connects us all together.”

Kristen Allen, Area Executive Director with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), stressed that “BUI is DUI.” She urged boaters to wait until they are on land and in a safe location before consuming alcohol, emphasizing that the consequences of impaired boating extend far beyond legal ramifications.

NASBLA’s Boating Under the Influence Program Manager, Todd Radabaugh, discussed advancements in detecting boating under the influence (BUI). He detailed the development of field sobriety tests that can be administered in a seated position on boats. 

• “Detecting impairment is not rocket science,” Radabaugh explained, “but officers need a scientifically validated set of tools in order to do that and testify in court.”

Paul Barnard of the U.S. Coast Guard shared the story of Audrey Higgins, killed by an impaired boater four years ago to the day. “When you see that one in a statistic, beyond it being completely preventable, it’s so much more than one,” Barnard said. He referenced a poster displaying photos of Audrey and her family, illustrating the profound and lasting impact of such tragedies.

Throughout the weekend, law enforcement agencies will be conducting increased patrols and BUI checkpoints. The Coast Guard, FWC, and local sheriff’s offices will be out in force, not just to enforce the law, but to educate boaters and prevent tragedies before they occur.

• Col. Smith offered closing remarks that encapsulated the spirit of Operation Dry Water. “We want people to get out this weekend and enjoy the weekend. We want them to be out on the water,” he said. “All that we ask is that you make those good decisions that I spoke of earlier. Don’t make decisions that lead to this kind of tragedy.”

The message was clear: enjoy the holiday, but do so responsibly. Designate a sober operator, wear life jackets, and take boating safety courses to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience on the water this Fourth of July weekend.

COMING SOON

Okaloosa County to break ground on new Agriculture Learning Center in Fort Walton Beach

Okaloosa County will break ground on a new Agriculture Extension Office in Fort Walton Beach, replacing a storm-damaged building in south Okaloosa County.

• The groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday, July 17, 2024, at 7:30 a.m. near Miss Ruth’s Farmers Market at the Northwest Florida Fairgrounds, located at 1954 Lewis Turner Blvd.

The 3,000-square-foot facility will serve as a new home for the county’s University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Services (UF IFAS) Extension programs. It will feature space for large groups, a full teaching kitchen, a small laboratory, storage, and offices.

“The staff at our Extension Office does an outstanding job of educating and providing agricultural services to the public,” said Okaloosa County Board Chairman Paul Mixon. “This new south Okaloosa facility will allow them to expand on their existing reputation as leaders in research-based education.”

The new center will offer a variety of courses, programs, workshops, and meetings covering agriculture, family and consumer sciences, commercial and residential horticulture, natural resources, and 4-H Youth Development program areas.

District 2 Commissioner Carolyn Ketchel, who serves as the liaison to the UF IFAS Extension Office, emphasized the importance of the project.

• “This project is a much-needed resource for the community,” Ketchel said. “The north Okaloosa Extension Office is such an incredible asset and we are fortunate to be able to build an equally appropriate building to serve south Okaloosa County residents and the Extension’s programs.”

Construction of the new Agriculture Learning Center is expected to be completed in the summer of 2025.

THE WEEKENDER

A few things to do around town

July 6, 2024 – Matthew Curry at The Sound Cafe – $20.00 – View

July 7, 2024 – Scallywag Sunday – Free – View

July 8, 2024 – Movie Monday – Free – View

July 9, 2024 – Boomin Tuesday – Free – View

July 9, 2024 – Movies On The Beach  “The Super Mario Bros Movie”  – Free – View

July 10, 2024 – Wednesday Night Concert Series at The Village of Baytowne Wharf – Free – View

July 10, 2024 – Okaloosa Island Fireworks Show! – Free – View

July 11, 2024 – Fly Guy Thursday – Free – View

July 13, 2024 – Downtown FWB Saturday Market – Free – View

July 13, 2024 – Blue Heron Portrait in Acrylics with Nicolaus Seegel – $60 – $65 – View

July 13, 2024 – SWS Mrs. Roper Romp at The Sound Cafe – $20 – $40 – View

July 14, 2024 – Scallywag Sunday – Free – View

July 15, 2024 – Movie Monday – Free – View

July 16, 2024 – Boomin Tuesday – Free – View

July 16, 2024 – Movies On The Beach  “Aladdin”  – Free – View

July 17, 2024 – Wednesday Night Concert Series at The Village of Baytowne Wharf – Free – View

July 17, 2024 – Okaloosa Island Fireworks Show! – Free – View

July 18, 2024 – Fly Guy Thursday – Free – View

July 19, 2024 – Downtown FWB Ladies Night – $10.00 – View

POLICE BLOTTER

Bank robbery in Destin, suspect remains at large

Authorities are investigating a bank robbery that occurred Wednesday afternoon, July 3, in Destin.

The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office reports that a man robbed the Truist Bank on Emerald Coast Parkway around 5 p.m. The suspect, described as a white male, entered the bank wearing a blue floral shirt, baseball cap, and surgical mask.

• According to the sheriff’s office, the man handed a teller a note demanding money. After receiving an undisclosed amount of cash, he exited through the front door.

No injuries were reported during the incident, and the suspect did not display any weapons.

The sheriff’s office is seeking public assistance in identifying the suspect. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office at 850-651-7400 or Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers.