News Summary
Capt. Ladislao Montero officially handed over command of Naval Base Coronado to Capt. Loren Jacobi in a ceremonial event, highlighting key achievements in leadership and operational excellence. Under Montero, NBC saw significant operational advancements, including numerous air operations and the introduction of innovative systems, earning recognition in environmental conservation. Jacobi, with a distinguished Navy career, emphasized unity and collaboration in his address, underscoring personnel welfare and mission readiness. The ceremony marked a crucial leadership transition reflecting the ongoing dedication of NBC’s personnel to excellence and community engagement.
Coronado, California – On June 26, 2024, Capt. Ladislao “Monty” Montero officially relinquished command of Naval Base Coronado (NBC) to Capt. Loren “Wookie” Jacobi during a ceremonial event. The transition marked the end of Montero’s leadership, which was characterized by significant achievements and ongoing improvements at the military installation.
Rear Admiral Rich Jarrett, the commander of Navy Region Southwest, commended Montero for his exceptional leadership throughout his tenure at NBC. Under Montero’s command, Navy Base Coronado supported a myriad of operations across 150 tenant commands, which included 20 aviation squadrons and three home-ported aircraft carriers. His leadership was instrumental in a highly disruptive period of operational adjustments and advancements.
During Montero’s time at the helm, the base facilitated an impressive 196,400 air operations along with 95 carrier air wing movements and 325 ship movements. Additionally, he oversaw the logistical movement of more than 7,000 aircraft and managed the transport of 84,500 passengers and 116,800 tons of cargo, consolidating NBC’s role as a crucial hub in the Navy’s operational capabilities.
Emphasizing a commitment to innovation, Montero implemented the Navy’s first facial recognition system at an entry control point during his leadership. He prioritized environmental conservation, leading to NBC being awarded the 2024 Secretary of the Navy Environmental Award for its efforts in preserving natural resources.
Following this ceremony, Montero is set to join the Navy Southwest team as the new Chief of Staff, a role that reflects his valued expertise and leadership within the Navy community.
Capt. Loren Jacobi, who has more than two decades of service in the Navy, took over as the new commanding officer. Prior to assuming command at NBC, he served as the executive officer since 2024. Jacobi has an impressive background that includes the receipt of three Meritorious Service Medals and an individual action Air Medal, along with multiple other service honors, highlighting his distinguished career.
Montero acknowledged the importance of family and teamwork during his command, stating that these elements became the “heartbeat” of the organization. He referred to the community at NBC as “truly exceptional,” demonstrating a profound appreciation for the collaborative spirit that defines the base and its personnel.
In his address, Jacobi recognized the importance of fostering unity within the base amidst what he termed “historic division” in the country. He called for collaboration as fundamental to achieving successful outcomes, urging for voices of togetherness to resonate beyond the base and have a meaningful impact on the surrounding community.
The change of command ceremony not only marked a significant leadership transition but also highlighted the ongoing dedication of the personnel at Naval Base Coronado to operational excellence and community engagement. Both commanders expressed their commitment to sustaining a cooperative and supportive environment, signifying a continued focus on mission readiness and personnel welfare moving forward.
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Additional Resources
- Coronado Times: Navy Fires Two Local Leaders
- Wikipedia: Navy Region Southwest
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- Google Search: Naval Base Coronado
- Coronado Times: Meet Your Local Navy Leaders – Vice Adm. Dan Cheever
- Google Scholar: Naval leadership California
- Coronado News: Creation of Clyde E. Lassen Memorial
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Naval Base Coronado
Author: STAFF HERE CORONADO
The Coronado Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HERECoronado.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Coronado, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Coronado Island Film Festival, productions at Lamb’s Players Theatre, community workshops at John D. Spreckels Center, and iconic celebrations at Hotel del Coronado. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Coronado Chamber of Commerce and Visit Coronado, plus leading businesses in hospitality, dining, and tourism that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERESanDiego.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
