Torch is passed

"Nothing is more important to the vitality of our Navy than effective leadership, from our petty officers to our chiefs and all the way to the skipper. Strong, effective and capable leadership is an absolute key ingredient to success," said Blackwood.

"This change of command is a new beginning for our nation, our Navy and for this base. These two fine officers and the men and women they lead are a vital link to our past and the key to our future. People get excited about new beginnings it's a testament to our Navy, extensive leadership training and even though we must bid farewell to one great leader, yet another fine leader now vies for the challenge."

Scorby, a native of Manlius, N.Y., graduated from the State University of New York at Cortland in 1981 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in economics. He entered the Navy in November 1982 as an aviation officer candidate and was commissioned an ensign in March 1983.

Upon completion of flight training, Scorby's first duty assignment was with VQ-2 at

NS Rota, Spain. While there, he served there as a senior electronics warfare evaluator, NATOPS instructor and mission commander on the EP-3E reconnaissance aircraft, participating in operations throughout the European theater.

Former NAS Jax Commanding Officer Capt. Chip Dobson reads his orders and he turns over command of the base to Capt. Jack Scorby Jr. during the change of command ceremony Friday. Photo by MC2 Brian Smarr

In December 1987, Scorby reported to the Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, Calif., and was awarded a Master of Science Degree in management in June 1989.

His next assignment was with VPU-1, Brunswick, Maine from July 1989 to February 1991, where he participated in operations throughout the European, Caribbean and Atlantic theaters of operation. Following his tour with VPU-1, Scorby was assigned as the VQ/Force Support detailer, Bureau of Naval Personnel, Washington, DC until February 1993.

From March 1993 to March 1994, Scorby attended the Naval War College, Newport, R.I., where he was awarded a Masters of Arts Degree in national security and strategic studies.

He then rejoined VPU-1 as the officer in charge from June 1994 to March 1996. During this period, the squadron supported Operations Continue Hope in Somalia, Deny Flight in Bosnia, Support Hope in Rwanda and Uphold Democracy in Haiti.

Upon completion of the Armed Forces Staff College in Norfolk, Va. in June 1996, Scorby reported to the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) in Colorado Springs, Colo. where he served as a missile operations officer, chief of the aerospace warning branch and flag executive assistant to the NORAD director of operations.

Guest speaker Rear Adm. Hugo Blackwood, vice commander, Navy Region Southeast, gives his remarks during the NAS Jax Change of Command ceremony during which Capt. Jack Scorby Jr. relieved Capt. Chip Dobson as commanding officer. Photo by MC2 Brian Smarr

He then reported to VQ-2 in June 1998 and assumed the duties as executive officer before assuming command from July 1999 to July 2000. During Scorby's tour as commanding officer, VQ-2 was awarded the Battle E, Golden Wrench, Safety S, Retention Excellence award and the CNAL nomination for the Arleigh Burke award.

From August 2000 to July 2003, Scorby was assigned to Deputy Chief of Naval Operations Manpower where he served as the aviation officer community manager and deputy, officer plans and policy.

In July 2003, Scorby reported to OPNAV Air Warfare where he served as the EP-3E/ACS requirements officer. Following this tour, he attended the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, where he was awarded a Master of Science Degree in national resource strategy. In June 2006, Scorby returned to air warfare to serve as the flag executive assistant to the director.

Scorby is married to the former Christine Cain of Annandale, Va. They have one son, John, a college student at the University of North Florida.

Dobson has retired after a 27-year naval career and plans to stay in the Jacksonville area with his family.

Capt. Chip Dobson gives his wife, Rhonda, a flag flown at the locations he has served in during his naval career during his change of command and retirement ceremony Aug. 10. Photo by MC2 Brian Smarr

NAS Jax Command Master Chief CMDCM(SW) Chris Green (left) presents former NAS Jax Commanding Officer Capt. Chip Dobson with an American flag during his Dobson's retirement ceremony Friday. Photo by Kaylee LaRocque

NAS Jax Commanding Officer Capt. Jack Scorby and former NAS Jax Commanding Officer Capt. Chip Dobson cut their cake at the reception following the change of command ceremony. Photo by Kaylee LaRocque

Sideboys salute former NAS Jax Commanding Officer Capt. Chip Dobson and his family after his change of command and retirement ceremony.