Alumni Spotlight
Tell us about your career after graduating from Ole Miss.
I graduated from Ole Miss in 2014, commissioned, and reported to Aviation Preflight Indoctrination (API) in Pensacola, FL later that year. I completed Primary flight training in the T-6 Texan II in Corpus Christi, TX and was selected to fly the P-8 Poseidon. I stayed in Corpus Christi for Advanced Multi-Engine training on the TC-12 Huron where I graduated in the top ten percent of Naval Aviators earning the distinction of being named to the Commodore's list for flight and academic achievement.
What did you do after flight shool?
Following flight school, I reported to VP-30 in Jacksonville, FL to learn to fly the P-8.
Tell us about your detachments and deployments
I was assigned to Patrol Squadron TEN (VP-10) for my first sea tour as a P-8 Pilot. During my three and a half years at VP-10 I visited 14 countries, completed numerous detachments, and two overseas deployments. During my second deployment, I led my crew as a Mission Commander, Instructor Pilot, and Aircraft Commander. Upon returning to Jacksonville following a nine month deployment, my crew was recognized as the Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing 11 Combat Aircrew of the Year for 2019.
What were your roles as an instructor or mentor?
My second tour brought me back to Corpus Christi as an Advanced Multi-Engine Flight Instructor flying the T-44 Pegasus. I had the privilege to instruct and mentor 24 on-wing Student Naval Aviators and fly with Student Military Aviators from around the world. I flew hundreds of instructional sorties amassing over 1,800 flight hours in the T-44 while earning nearly every qualification in the aircraft. Upon completion of my tour, I was named the Chief of Naval Air Training Instructor Pilot of the Year for 2022.
What did the end of your service look like and what are you doing now?
I was fortunate to continue flying and returned to fly the P-8 for my third and final tour of duty. I was assigned to the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations Sea Duty Component Dallas, TX, affectionately referred to as "Navy Det Dallas". I am currently wrapping up an 11 year career in Naval Aviation having flown over 4,000 mishap-free flight hours encompassing every facet of Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aviation. Following the completion of my military obligation, I have accepted a position as a First Officer with United Airlines and will begin training in May 2025.