Commander RJ Fields, the son of a career Army armor officer and aviator, is a native of Huntsville, Alabama. He was commissioned in 2005 after graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy, and holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from Annapolis, and Master’s Degrees from the University of Oklahoma and Air University.
 
Following initial flight training at Training Squadron FOUR (VT-4) in Pensacola, Florida, he selected follow on training in the E-2C Hawkeye at Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 120 in Norfolk, Virginia and earned his Wings of Gold in June 2007.
 
CDR Fields then reported to VAW-117 in Point Mugu, California in December 2007. With the “Wallbangers” he completed a WESTPAC deployment in 2008 and a deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2009. While in VAW-117 he served as the squadron’s Material Control Officer, Assistant Avionics Officer, NFO Training Officer, and Aircraft Division Officer. He was selected to attend the TOPGUN Air Intercept Controller Course and qualified as Instructor Combat Information Center Officer.
 
In January 2011, CDR Fields reported to the VAW-120 “Greyhawks” in Norfolk, Virginia for flight instructor duty where he was selected to be one of the first instructors in the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye and a member of the Initial Operational Test and Evaluation Integrated Test Team. During this tour, he served as the E-2D NFO NATOPS Officer, EKMS Officer, and E-2D NFO Training Officer, where he led the first students and transition squadron through their initial training in the Advanced Hawkeye.
 
Next CDR Fields reported to USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) as the Assistant Navigator. While attached to the Ike he completed a maintenance period, sea trials, and workups for the 2016-17 deployment with CSG-10. He then reported to the Air Command and Staff College for JPME I, where he was selected for the Multi Domain Operational Strategist (MDOS) concentration.
 
He reported to the “Liberty Bells” of VAW-115 in Point Mugu, California in August 2017, serving as the Administrative Officer and Maintenance Officer. As a Liberty Bell CDR Fields completed exercises Neptune Falcon, Neptune Hawk, and Northern Edge, and workups for the 2020 deployment with CVW-11.
 
In December 2019, CDR Fields reported to the Joint Staff (J-5), working in the Counter Threats and International Cooperation directorate as an Action Officer and EA to the Deputy Director.
 
He reported as Executive Officer of the VAW-116 “Sun Kings” in March 2022.
 
CDR Fields has accumulated over 1,700 flight hours in the E-2 Hawkeye. His personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Strike/Flight Air Medal (two awards), the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four awards), the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and various unit, service, and campaign awards.
 

Last Updated: 28 November 2023