by David Chapman
Staff Writer
Workspace: NAS Jax Commanding Officer Capt. Jack Scorby
It’s grown significantly over the years, but those who have been to Naval Air Station Jax can identify that the station resembles a city in itself.
It has a bank, restaurants, a bowling alley, convenience stores and much more for the 25,000 men and women who call it both work and home.
Which is why as commanding officer of NAS Jax, Capt. Jack Scorby, has been called its mayor.
“I have the best job in the Navy,” said Scorby with a smile.
Construction is rampant all over the base — close to $350 million worth — and is a sign of improvement on many fronts but especially for the quality of life for its patrons, something Scorby is adamant on always improving.
“The most important thing is that it’s really not about me,” he begins. “It’s about the people here who are making a difference every day.”
The year in review has been a banner one, he said, with 2010 looking to follow suit.
The station will celebrate its 70th anniversary, beginning with a yearlong kickoff in January and culminating with a celebration that coincides with the 2010 Sea & Sky Spectacular Air Show returning to NAS Jax.
Every day is different for Scorby, he said, as he meets new people and takes on different challenges, but this week has been a little different.
Leading up to Veterans Day, events and ceremonies at the station have filled the docket ranging from a visit from President Obama to honoring veterans and the addition of new planes.
Today itself, though, means much to Scorby.
“Veterans Day is a special day for us,” he said. “It’s a day for us to say ‘Thank you’ ... a day for us to honor those who came before us and dedicated themselves to their country.”
356-2466