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Commander Brett Havelka

A native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Commander Havelka graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in December of 2005, earning a Bachelor of Science in Physics and Astronomy. CDR Havelka commissioned through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps Program and reported to NAS Pensacola, FL for flight training in 2005. He earned his Naval Aviator Wings in 2007.  In 2007 he reported to VFA-125 “Rough Raiders” for initial fleet training as a F/A-18C Aviator.

CDR Havelka began his operational flying in June 2009 with the “Vigilantes” of VFA-151.  While a “Vigi”, he made two combat deployments aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72), participating in Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation New Dawn.

CDR Havelka reported to VFA-122 the “Eagles” for a transition to the F/A-18 Super Hornet prior to reporting to VX-9 the “Vampires” in October 2012, were he served as the Operational Test Director for Net-Enabled Weapons, and a project officer for the F/A-18C. In October 2015 CDR Havelka reported to Africa Partnership Station as part of Commander Naval Forces Africa located in Naples Italy, serving as the lead planning officer for joint operations in Africa.

CDR Havelka returned to the fleet as a Department Head in VFA-103, the “Jolly Rogers.” While with the Vics, he completed one combat deployment aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel, serving as Admin O, Safety O, Operations Officer, and Maintenance Officer.  In January, CDR Havelka reported to VFA-125 for a transition to the F-35C prior to reporting to VX-9 Detachment Edwards where he served as the Operations Officer and the Navy’s Chief Operational Test Director for the F-35C.

CDR Havelka reported to the VFA-102 the “Diamondbacks” in May 2023 as the Executive Officer.

CDR Havelka has accumulated over 2,800 flight hours in 6 aircraft and 572 carrier arrested landings, including 312 Combat hours. His awards include the Strike/Flight Air Medal (2 awards), Navy Commendation Medal (6 awards), and Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal and various service awards and ribbons.

Last Updated: 21 December 2023


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