NORFOLK

The former commanding officer of Oceana Naval Air Station has been nominated for a flag officer post in Washington, D.C.

Capt. Patrick Lorge has been nominated for rear admiral, lower half and assignment as commandant of Naval District Washington, the Department of Defense announced Wednesday. He currently serves as chief of staff for U.S. Naval Forces Central Command in Bahrain.

Lorge, a pilot, spent a year as executive officer and two years as commanding officer at Oceana before leaving last August.

He helped steer the Navy’s response to a federal panel’s threat to close the base because of encroachment. He worked with city and regional leaders to develop new policies to curb inappropriate development.

Lorge was nominated for rear admiral by President Bush on April 1. The promotion to flag officer must be approved by the U.S. Senate.