An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Commander Josh “Lil’b” Menks

A native of Graves Mill, Virginia, Commander Menks graduated from John Brown University in 2001 where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Digital media.  In January of 2006, CDR Menks commissioned through Navy Officer Candidate School. He earned his wings of gold as a Naval flight officer in Pensacola, Florida in November of 2007.

Following initial EA-6B fleet replacement Electronic Countermeasures Officer training, Commander Menks reported in May 2009 to the “Rooks” of Electronic Attack Squadron ONE THREE SEVEN where he deployed twice on USS ENTERPRISE (CVN-65) in support of Operations ENDURING FREEDOM and OPERATION NEW DAWN.

CDR Menks then reported to Strike Fighter Squadron ONE ZERO SIX for transition from the EA-6B to the EA-18G via the F/A-18F. After completion of the F/A-18 FRS, he then completed Airborne Electronic Attack phase at Electronic Attack Squadron ONE TWO NINE and began instructing as an EA-18G Electronic Warfare Officer. As an FRS Instructor, CDR Menks was selected as the 2016 EWO Instructor of the Year.

Following his instructor tour, CDR Menks reported to the “Zappers” of Electronic Attack Squadron ONE THREE ZERO as the Administrative Officer.  While there he deployed on board USS EISENHOWER (CVN-69) in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE.

CDR Menks then reported to the “Yellowjackets” of Electronic Attack Squadron ONE THREE EIGHT for his Department Head tour where he served as Safety Officer, Administrative Officer and Maintenance Officer.  There he deployed to the SEVENTH Fleet Area of Responsibility in an expeditionary capacity, based at Misawa, Japan.

Following his tour at the “Yellowjackets,” CDR Menks attended the U.S. Naval War College of Staff and Command where he earned a Master of Arts in Defense and Strategic Studies and was recruited to participate in the Russian Maritime Studies Institute Holloway Advanced Research Program.

CDR Menks has accumulated over 2400 flight hours and over 400 carrier arrested landings in the EA-6B, F/A-18F and EA-18G aircraft. His decorations include the Air Medal Strike/Flight (three), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (four) and various unit service and campaign awards.

Last Updated: 16 February 2023


Guidance-Card-Icon Dept-Exclusive-Card-Icon