JACKSONVILLE - Capt. Marc Cantu relinquished command of Naval Air Station Jacksonville to Executive Officer Capt. Greg deWindt during a change of command ceremony on Feb. 29. 

The station’s more than 110 tenant commands, including 17 squadrons, thousands of civilians and sailors, and their families, have benefitted due to Cantu’s staunch leadership during major projects improving military readiness.

Cantu masterfully ensured the largest installation in the Navy Region Southeast and the third largest in the Navy, delivering the most effective and efficient readiness from the shore by setting the highest standards of excellence. This is evident as NAS Jax recently earned Commander, Navy Installations Command’s 2024 Installation Excellence Award as the best large naval installation worldwide.

During Cantu’s leadership, the installation successfully conducted 170,000 flight operations in support of six strike group pre-deployment exercises and fleet operations.

Fully embracing the Chief of Naval Operations’ “Get Real, Get Better” call-to-action to drive positive change, Cantu’s efforts reduced energy consumption across the installation by more than 10 percent, saving the Navy more than $1.2 million in 2023. Other contributing factors included replacing gas-powered government vehicles with hybrid electric vehicles.

During his tenure, the installation championed an innovative Get Fit program, which has been adopted Navy-wide. Get Fit consolidates Morale, Welfare and Recreation, Fleet and Family Support Center, Navy and Marine Corps Relief Society, and other programs into a monthly event, giving sailors a “one-stop shop” for resources.

Another unique change at NAS Jax is the conversion of food service operations from a “galley” to the Navy Southeast Region’s first Essential Station Mess. This initiative provides nearly 20,000 meals each month, improving service quality for Sailors stationed at NAS Jax.

Cantu also led the station during the 2022 air show, which hosted more than 350,000 spectators with no mishaps or security issues.

He will retire after 26 years of honorable naval service and plans to reside in Jacksonville with his family.

In August 2022, deWindt assumed the executive officer duties for NAS Jax.

Capt. is taking over as the NAS Jax executive officer following the change of command. Ryan Dexter.