Naval Air Technical Training Center Sailor Recognized with 2026 Pensacola-area Margaret Flowers Outstanding Military Volunteer Award
PENSACOLA, Fla. — Air Traffic Controller (AW/SW) 1st Class Shakila Duff received the 2026 Pensacola-area Margaret Flowers Outstanding Military Volunteer Award during the annual Pensacola Navy League’s Military Recognition Day June 12 at the Pensacola Yacht Club. Duff, stationed at the Naval Air Technical Training Center (NATTC), devoted more than 150 hours to various volunteer initiatives in the Pensacola area. Pensacola Navy League Board of Directors member Rear Adm. (Ret.) Don Quinn presented the award to Duff and recognized nominees from other Pensacola-area commands. Duff was selected for her extensive dedication to community service and leadership in volunteerism. Duff devoted more than 150 hours to various volunteer initiatives in the Pensacola area. Her service included providing operations support to the Health and Hope Clinic and the orchestration of the Health and Hope Gala. Duff also assembled and distributed assistance packages to the homeless and elderly, and played a key role in the local Egg Fest charity event.
The Pensacola Navy League’s Military Recognition Day brought together military personnel, local officials and community leaders to honor service members’ contributions. The event included speeches and proclamations from Escambia and Santa Rosa county representatives, who highlighted the importance of military volunteerism. Named for longtime Navy civil servant Margaret Flowers, the award recognizes service members who embody exceptional community service. NATTC provides instruction to Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guard personnel in maintaining, repairing, and operating naval aviation aircraft and weapons systems. Naval Air Station Pensacola, known as the "Cradle of Naval Aviation," supports operational and training missions for several tenant commands, including Naval Air Technical Training Center, Naval Aviation Schools Command and Center for Technical Training. The installation also hosts Marine Aviation Training Support Group 21 and Marine Aviation Training Support Group 23 and serves at the headquarters for Naval Education and Training Command. In addition to an active runway, the installation maintains a deepwater port supporting operations for the United States Coast Guard.
NAS Pensacola Civilian Employees Recognized at Unaccompanied Housing Department
Air Force 479th Flying Training Group Holds Change of Command
PENSACOLA, Fla. — Air Force Col. Scott Thompson relieved Col. Shane Muscato as commanding officer of the “Raiders” of the 479th Flying Training Group (479 FTG) during a change of command ceremony June 5, 2026, at the National Naval Aviation Museum onboard Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola. The ceremony recognized Muscato's leadership of the Air Force's Undergraduate Combat Systems Officer (CSO) Training mission during the past two and a half years. During his command, the 479 FTG continued producing combat-ready CSOs for the Air Force, Air Force Reserve, and Air National Guard while navigating the congressionally mandated T-1A divestment. Muscato departed Pensacola following a successful command tour, leaving a lasting impact on the Raiders and the future of Undergraduate Combat Systems Officer Training.
Thompson, who previously served as the Deputy Commander of the Joint-Global Strike Operations Center at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, assumed command during the ceremony. Bringing extensive operational, training, and strategic-level experience from assignments across multiple major commands and the Joint Force, Thompson now maintains responsibility for leading the Air Force's sole Undergraduate Combat Systems Officer Training enterprise. As the guidon passed from one commander to the next, the ceremony reflected both gratitude for Muscato's dedicated leadership and excitement for the future under Thompson's command. The men and women of the 479 FTG remain committed to their mission of developing the next generation of Combat Systems Officers and delivering ready Airmen to the warfighter. Naval Air Station Pensacola, known as the "Cradle of Naval Aviation," supports operational and training missions for several tenant commands, including Naval Air Technical Training Center, Naval Aviation Schools Command and Center for Technical Training. The installation also hosts Marine Aviation Training Support Group 21 and Marine Aviation Training Support Group 23 and serves at the headquarters for Naval Education and Training Command. In addition to an active runway, the installation maintains a deepwater port supporting operations for the United States Coast Guard.
Army 350th Civil Affairs Brigade Conducts Ruck March Onboard NAS Pensacola
The Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) provides information and referral, education, and one-on-one assistance, all at no cost. Our programs include: New Parent Support, Exceptional Family Member, Family Advocacy, Personal Financial Management, Life Skills Education, Clinical Counseling, Transition Assistance, Relocation Assistance, Family Employment Readiness, Disaster Preparedness, and Sexual Assault Prevention and Response. The main FFSC is located in Building 625 onboard Naval Air Station Pensacola.
Credits:
Bruce Cummins, NAS Pensacola Public Affairs Officer; Garrett Dipuma, NAS Pensacola Public Affairs Office; Chief Mass Communication Specialist Ian Cotter, NAS Pensacola Public Affairs Office; Ens. Trent Prince, NAS Pensacola Public Affairs Office; Ens. Victoria Franklin, NAS Pensacola Public Affairs Office