Last modified Wed., November 07, 2007 - 04:28 PM
Originally created Thursday, November 8, 2007

NAS Jax hosts CFFC

By Miriam S. Gallet, Deputy Public Affairs Officer

Commander, Fleet Fleet Forces Command Adm. Jonathan Greenert, left, is greeted by Commander, Navy Region Southeast (CNRSE) Rear Adm. Mike Vitale as he visits the CNRSE Regional Operations Center for a brief Oct. 30. Photo by Kaylee LaRocque

NAS Jax Commanding Officer Capt. Jack Scorby Jr. welcomed the newly appointed U.S. Commander, Fleet Forces Command Adm. Jonathan Greenert to the station Oct. 30. Greenert, who was making his first official trip to the Jacksonville area since assuming command Sept. 29, also met with Commander, Navy Region Southeast Rear Adm. Michael Vitale and various other commanding officers.

During the visit, Scorby briefed Greenert on the important strategic role NAS Jacksonville plays in support of U.S. national security, the global war on terror and the even greater importance the base will assume with the arrival of additional squadrons. As they drove around the base, Greenert also witnessed the immense growth and ongoing construction projects aboard the base.

"We were proud to showcase NAS Jacksonville to Adm. Greenert and the importance of the air station in supporting the fleet, fighters and family," said Scorby.

Greenert also had the opportunity to tour the Navy Region Southeast Regional Operations Center and meet key personnel while aboard the base.

"It was a short, but thorough visit," said Vitale. "I gave him an overview of our Regional Operations Center with some added focus on our support to Navy Region Southwest and the fires in Southern California, as well as our preparations for the recent Tropical Storm Noel."

Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command Adm. Jonathan Greenert toured NAS Jacksonville during a visit Oct. 30. Greenert (left) and NAS Jacksonville Commanding Officer Capt. Jack Scorby pose for the camera after touring the various construction projects aboard the station, including a $123 million P-3 hangar and a $78 million helicopter hangar. Photo by Miriam S. Gallet.

When asked about his new job, Greenert said, "As the Fleet Forces commander, I am responsible for maritime homeland defense. Our citizens have made it absolutely clear that this is a top priority. The American people want a maritime force that remains strong and one that will protect the homeland and citizens of this country."

Greenert also highlighted his future vision. "I believe that our allies and our coalition operations are our future," he said. "We are inextricably connected to them and we need to pursue that. We need to work on interoperability and networking in that particular area. We also need to watch our technology advances with an eye toward our allies or we'll leave them behind and we'll miss that opportunity."

According to a recent U.S. Fleet Forces press release, Greenert is responsible for organizing, manning, training, and equipping naval forces for assignment to combatant commanders, to deter, detect and defend against homeland maritime threats and articulate fleet warfighting and readiness requirements to the Chief of Naval Operations. Greenert most recently served as deputy chief of Naval Operations for Integration of Capabilities and Resources.

He has served in a variety of command positions afloat and ashore, including commander, Submarine Squadron 11, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Marianas and commander, U.S. Seventh Fleet.