Commander William G. Coulter

Commander Officer, Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 136

24 November 2021 Commander William “SPIF” Coulter is a native of Seattle, Washington, and graduated from Mariner High School in 2000. He attended the University of Washington in Seattle, Washington, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice. In 2004, he was commissioned through the UW NROTC as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy.

In December 2007, following Naval Flight Officer training and initial training in the EA-6B Prowler, CDR Coulter reported to the “Shadowhawks” of VAQ-141 where he served as the Assistant Tactics Officer. He deployed in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM aboard the USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN 71). In June 2009, VAQ-141 transitioned to the EA-18G Growler and subsequently deployed in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM and Operation IRAQI FREEDOM aboard the USS GEORGE H.W. BUSH (CVN 77).  

In September 2011, CDR Coulter reported to VAQ-129, “Vikings,” as an EA-18G instructor and Night Vision Goggle Program Manager. In December 2012, CDR Coulter completed the 12-week Growler Tactics Instructor course at HAVOC in Fallon, Nevada. He returned to the “Vikings” as the Assistant Training Officer and Aircrew Standardization Officer. In May 2014, CDR Coulter joined the “Zappers” of VAQ-130 aboard the USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN 75). He served as the squadron Training Officer where he trained, mentored and qualified aircrew in preparation for deployment aboard the USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN 69).
In May 2016, CDR Coulter went on to serve as a Department Head of VAQ-138, “Yellow Jackets”, where he deployed twice to the USINDOPACOM AOR. He served as the Safety Officer, Administration Officer, Operations Officer and Maintenance Officer while also continuing to instruct EA-18G aircrew in the latest tactics, techniques and procedures.
 
Following his Department Head tour, in October 2018, CDR Coulter reported to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, J7, in Suffolk, Virginia where he served as the Joint Force Development Experimentation Branch Chief. During his time in Virginia, CDR Coulter attended the Joint Forces Staff College where he completed Joint Combined Warfighting School.

Commander Coulter has accumulated over 2,800 flight hours and over 350 carrier-arrested landings during his 17 years of naval service. His decorations include one Defense Meritorious Service Medal, two Air Medals, three Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, one Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and various personal and unit awards. He is married to his amazing wife Erica and has four boys Maddox, Maguire, Paxton and Kingston.