(NAS WHIDBEY)— Naval Air Station Whidbey Island in Oak Harbor has a new commanding officer.

Captain Mike Nortier, a veteran helicopter pilot, took command of NAS Whidbey last week in a change of command ceremony.

Nortier relieved Captain Jay Johnston before a crowd of senior Navy officials, base personnel and Whidbey Island dignitaries in a formal, but light-hearted ceremony on base.

Johnston, who was at the helm for two and a half years, is headed to Washington, D.C., to become the next operations director at Naval Installations Command headquarters.

Nortier is a longtime helicopter pilot who got his wings in 1991.