Later this month, PJ’s Coffee will bring its gourmet coffee roasted in small batches and New Orleans-style beignets to its newest location at 85 W. Airport Blvd. and less than a mile from Pensacola Christian College.
- New Orleans native and Pensacola resident Michele Carlton will be the owner and operator of the famous coffeehouse set to open in late July.
“I’m overjoyed to bring a taste of my hometown and the first PJ’s Coffee to Pensacola,” said Carlton. “I’ve always wanted to open a coffee shop, so this is a dream come true because it allows me to share a part of myself with the community.
“I am excited to provide people with everything we have to offer, including our famous fluffy beignets that are perfectly coated in powdered sugar. With just one bite of these famous New Orleans pastries, you’d think you’ve just been teleported to the second line of a Mardi Gras parade.”
PJ’s Coffee in Pensacola will mark the brand’s third location in the Sunshine State.
Maritime Cyber Warfare Officers
The first three officers in the Navy’s newest officer designation 1880, Maritime Cyber Warfare Officer (MCWO), started training in Computer Network Operator Qualification Course (CNOQC), which is being taught for the first time at Information Warfare Training Command Corry Station, on July 10.
Why this matters: The new MCWOs will join with enlisted Sailors in CNOQC to receive basic level training for offensive cyber operations provided to Interactive On-Net (ION) operators, as the first step toward creating Maritime Cyber Warfare Officers with on-keyboard skills.
“We have offensive and defensive sides of cyber,” said Cmdr. Gil Baughn, cyber program manager for the Center for Information Warfare Training (CIWT). “For me and for and lot of other folks, you want an officer to be able to be able to go to either side and be able to manage teams on the offensive or defensive cyber mission.”
Dig Deeper: The three newest MCWOs attending CNOQC, Ens. Trady Chouaib, from Union City, Calif.; Ens. Kevin Bae from Gaithersburg, Md.; and Ens. Hans Cabrera, from Elkridge, Md.
Chouaib, whose degree is in computer networks and cybersecurity, came into the course with some Navy experience as well. Prior to commissioning through Officer Candidate School, he served for six years in the cryptology technician networks rating, which recently transitioned to cyber warfare technician, and did a tour at Navy Information Operations Command (NIOC) Hawaii, where he was on the 26th Cyber Protection Team.
Bae went to the Naval Academy with the goal of working in the cyber field. He received his commission after graduating with a degree in cyber operations and math. He said being selected for the maritime cyber warfare officer designation was the reason he joined the Navy and was exactly what he had hoped for.
Cabrera was also commissioned through the Naval Academy, and graduated with a degree in computer science and information technology. He was originally interested in becoming a cryptologic warfare officer, but is looking forward to the challenge of becoming a MCWO.
- The MCWOs attending CNOQC are anticipated to graduate from the course in Jan. 2024.
Ice Flyers Hire Familiar Face
The head coach search is over for the Ice Flyers as the team has announced the return of SPHL championship coach Gary Graham behind the bench.
Why this matters: On July 12, 2012, the Ice Flyers first introduced Graham to the fans at the Bay Center. What followed was their new head coach following through on his promises and brought the Ice Flyers their first championship in a thrilling championship series against the Huntsville Havoc that concluded with a 2-0 victory on home ice in front of a packed house.
It was not only the Ice Flyers first, but also the city of Pensacola’s first professional team championship.
“I am truly excited to have Gary back and for him to be leading our players once again,” Ice Flyers owner Greg Harris stated. “Gary has gained tremendous experience and has had success after being here in Pensacola. But it was his familiarity with our organization, with our culture, with me, with where we have been and with where we want to go that aligned with the attributes and intangibles I want in our new head coach.”
Dig Deeper: In the summer of 2013, Graham returned to his hometown of Fort Wayne, Ind. to be the head coach of the Fort Wayne Komets of the ECHL. He amassed a coaching record of 251 wins, 130 losses and 51 losses, including four seasons with more than 40 wins. Recently, he was the head coach for the Omaha Lancers of the USHL and for the Nottingham Panthers of the EIHL in England.
- The Ice Flyers will host a formal meet and greet to welcome back Graham to the fans closer to the season.
