The new commanding officer of Naval Air Station Whidbey Island acknowledged the challenges ahead as the Navy prepares to handle international threats such as ISIS and the growing military capabilities and threats of other nations.

But the new skipper, Capt. Geoff “Jefe” Moore, also said he’s prepared to carry on the work of his predecessor as the base prepares for the transition to the P-8 Poseidon and the likely addition of more EA-18G Growlers.

Moore took command during a ceremony Friday morning. It was held at the Indoor Wash Rack, a venue chosen because of its close proximity to some of the major construction projects on base that highlight the changes at NAS Whidbey.

“Together, we will continue the vision of one team, operating as one family, focused on one single and immensely important mission — to be ready to answer the call of our civilian leadership to fight and win our nation’s war,” he said.

NAS Whidbey and its mission is as relevant today as it was when it was built shortly after Pearl Harbor, he said, and the Poseidon and Growler aircraft are “absolutely necessary for maintaining our combat superiority in today’s modern warfare.”

Moore, a native of Middletown, Conn., last served as commanding officer of a helicopter anti-submarine squadron based in San Diego. He succeeds Capt. Mike Nortier, who plans to retire from the Navy and stay with his family in Oak Harbor.

The ceremony was full of pats on the back for Nortier, whose accomplishments as commander were “impressive and a little humbling,” said his former boss, Rear Admiral Jeffrey Ruth, the commander of Navy Region Northwest.

Under his leadership, NAS Whidbey was named the No. 1 naval base in the world by the Navy last year, which recognizes the top bases in its annual Installation Excellence Awards.

“From every measurable metric, he has had an impact,” said Ruth, who referred to the former skipper as “Nort.”

The hangar was draped with a Paul Bunyan-sized American flag. A search-and-rescue helicopter, ambulance and police car were parked inside.

An audience of sailors and officers in smart uniforms as well as community leaders were on hand.

Nortier, chest lined with clinking medals, more sharply outlined the changes and challenges he faced, including “misinformation from vocal minorities” spread by social media — a reference to the lawsuit filed by a grassroots group unhappy with jet noise at the Outlying Field in Coupeville.

He also spent time praising sailors, officers and civilian workers on base, calling on half a dozen to stand so they could be honored.

When it was time for Nortier to step down, sailors around the room stood and each delivered a line acknowledging his service, finishing with “this sailor stood the watch.”

Last to speak was Nortier’s son, a Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps student at the University of Washington.

“(Moore) is a great guy, soft spoken, very intelligent — he’ll be a great addition to Whidbey,” said Steve Bristow, president of the Oak Harbor Area Council of the Navy League.

“It’s great to see Capt. Nortier’s son up there. It was a perfect touch for his outgoing moments in the Navy,” said Bristow.

NAS Whidbey is the Navy’s only air station in the Pacific Northwest.

The installation employs more than 7,200 active duty military and 2,400 Department of Defense civilians and contract employees.