Capt. Loren Jacobi is the new commanding officer of Naval Base Coronado, taking over for Capt. Ladislao Montero after 18 months of leadership at the base.
Montero will move on to become chief of staff for Navy Region Southwest under Rear Adm. Rich Jarrett.
Jacobi praised Montero during a change-of-command ceremony at Naval Air Station North Island on June 26, thanking him for shaping him as a leader, friend and human being.
Jacobi initially reported to Naval Base Coronado as executive officer in January of 2024.
As he assumed his new role on June 26, Jacobi acknowledged current events within the country and internationally.
We are living through historic divisions in our country … and multiple active conflicts around the globe … There is only one way to navigate through these uncertain times: through partnership. We need to rely on each other.
Commanding Officer Capt. Loren Jacobi
“We are living through historic divisions in our country … and multiple active conflicts around the globe,” Jacobi said. “There is only one way to navigate through these uncertain times: through partnership. We need to rely on each other.
“That spirit of service is how we build bridges rather than walls. Never in our history has that spirit been so important.”
Under Montero’s leadership, Naval Base Coronado provided fleet support to 150 tenant commands while performing over 196,000 air operations, 325 ship movements and almost a hundred carrier air wing movements, according to Jarrett.
Montero also implemented the Navy’s first facial recognition system at an entry control point and is shepherding that system throughout the entire Navy Shore Enterprise, a network of Navy installations and facilities, according to Jarrett.
Montero said he was filled with immense pride and gratitude for serving in this position.
“It’s been an honor of a lifetime to serve as commanding officer for Naval Base Coronado,” he added.
