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Commander Robert Stimis
Commanding Officer, Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 86
25 October 2020
Commander Stimis entered the U.S. Naval Academy in June 1998. He graduated with distinction on the 25th of May 2002, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering. He earned his wings of gold in April 2005 and reported to the "Gladiators" of VFA-106 at NAS Oceana, VA, to receive his initial training in the F/A-18E/F.
CDR Stimis' first operational tour was with the "Red Rippers" of VFA-11 with whom he deployed onboard USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73) in support of the "Partnership of the Americas" in 2006 and onboard USS HARRY S TRUMAN (CVN 75) in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM in 2007-2008.
In November 2008, he returned to VFA-106 for instructor duty in the F/A-18A-F, serving as the Head Scheduling Officer, Carrier Qualification Phase Head, and East Coast Super Hornet Demonstration Team pilot.
Following his time at VFA-106, CDR Stimis joined Carrier Air Wing EIGHT (CVW-8) onboard USS GEORGE H.W. BUSH (CVN 77), serving as CAG Paddles during the 2011 combat deployment in support of Operations ENDURING FREEDOM and NEW DAWN.
In November 2012, CDR Stimis joined the "Blue Blasters" of VFA-34, where he served as the Administration, Safety, Maintenance, and Operations Department Head. While with the Blue Blasters, he participated in the 2014 "Rim of the Pacific" Exercise onboard USS RONALD REAGAN (CVN 76) and the 2015 "Southern Seas" Exercise onboard USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73).
Following his department head tour, CDR Stimis attended the Naval Postgraduate School from 2016-2017 and earned a Master of Arts in Security Studies (Homeland Security and Defense). Additionally, his thesis on improving the K-12 education of military-connected children was named an "Outstanding Thesis."
CDR Stimis currently resides in Hanford, CA, with his wife and children. He reported as the Executive Officer for the "Sidewinders" of VFA-86 in November 2018. CDR Stimis' awards include the Strike/Flight Air Medal (2), Navy Commendation Medal (3), Navy Achievement Medal (2), and numerous unit and campaign medals.
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VFA-86 Commanding Officer
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