Captain Michael France

Commander, Airborne Command & Control and Logistics Wing

22 October 2020 CAPT Michael France graduated from Lambuth University in Jackson, TN in 1996 with a B.S. Degree in Chemistry. He was commissioned through Officer Candidate School in Pensacola, FL in April 1997 and was designated a Naval Aviator in March 1999.

Following Fleet Replacement Pilot Training at VAW-120, he began his first sea tour with the VAW-117 Wallbangers. He deployed aboard USS CARL VINSON (CVN-70) with CVW-11 in 2001 participating in Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.

CAPT France graduated from the U. S. Naval Test Pilot School in June 2005 with Class 127. He served as a Developmental Test Pilot in VX-20 through July 2008 working a wide range of projects on various aircraft while also earning a M.S. Degree in Aviation Systems from the University of Tennessee Space Institute.

In August 2008, CAPT France reported to his second sea tour with VAW-126 Seahawks for his Department Head tour deploying aboard USS HARRY S TRUMAN (CVN-75) with CVW-3 in support of Operations ENDURING FREEDOM and NEW DAWN.

In February 2011, CAPT France reported to the Joint Chiefs of Staff (J-5) in the Pentagon, working in the Europe/NATO/Russia directorate serving as Action Officer and EA to the Deputy Director.

CAPT France then commanded the VAW-115 Liberty Bells at NAF Atsugi, Japan w/ CVW-5 and deployed aboard USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN-73) and USS RONALD REAGAN (CVN-76).

In January 2016, CAPT France reported to PMA-231 in Patuxent River, MD serving as Deputy Director for Modifications and Sustainment on the E-2/C-2 aircraft.

CAPT France’s most recent assignment beginning in April 2017 was Commanding Officer of the VAW-120 Greyhawks, the E-2 and C-2 Fleet Replacement Squadron, where he was responsible for 22 E-2/C-2 Aircraft and over 700 military and civilian personnel.

In August 2020, CAPT France took over as Commander of Airborne Command & Control and Logistics Wing in Point Mugu, CA as the Commodore.

CAPT France has accumulated over 4,700 flight hours in 25 different aircraft and has over 500 carrier arrested landings to include multiple Air Wing “Top Hook” awards. His decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal (two Strike/Flight awards) and various other unit and campaign awards.