Commander Hall "Waffles" Graham

Executive Officer, Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 137

25 October 2020

A native of Woodstock, Georgia, Commander Graham graduated from Berry College in 2003, earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. CDR Graham commissioned through the Officer Candidate School Program. He reported for flight training in August 2005 at NAS Pensacola, FL with follow-on training at NAS Whiting Field, FL and NAS Meridian, MS. He earned his Wings of Gold in February of 2008. In April 2008, CDR Graham reported to VFA-106 at NAS Oceana, VA for initial fleet training in the FA-18 Super Hornet.

CDR Graham began operational flying in April 2009 with the “Knighthawks” of VFA-136.  He deployed aboard USS ENTERPRISE (CVN 65), participating in Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR, and Operation NEW DAWN. During this tour, CDR Graham earned his squadron and Wing LSO qualifications and was selected to attend US Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN).

CDR Graham reported to Strike Fighter Weapons School Atlantic (SFWSL) in January of 2012 and graduated from TOPGUN as a Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor (SFTI) in March. While at SFWSL, CDR Graham was the Joint Direct Attack Munitions Subject Matter Expert and Strike Fighter Advanced Readiness Program (SFARP) Director where he help prepare the training syllabi for air wings prior to deployment.

In January 2015 CDR Graham returned to the fleet as Training Officer of the VFA-83 “Rampagers”. While with the Rampagers, he deployed aboard USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN 75) in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE. In December 2016, he reported to the “Pukin’ Dogs” of VFA-143, serving as the Admin Officer, Safety Officer, Operations Officer, and Maintenance Officer.  During this tour he deployed aboard USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN 72), again in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.

Following his department head tour, CDR Graham served as Missile and Space Domain Chief for NORAD and USNORTHCOM in Colorado Springs, CO. In this role, he executed missile warning for NORAD, the National Military Command Center, and every COCOM worldwide. In March 2020 he selected for VFA squadron command.

CDR Graham has accumulated over 2,600 flight hours in 4 aircraft and more than 550 carrier landings. His personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Strike/Flight Air Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Joint and Navy Achievement Medals, and various unit and service awards.