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Patrol Squadron (VP) 47 “The Golden Swordsmen”

Commander John Pritchett

Commanding Officer, Patrol Squadron (VP) 47

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VIRIN: 220317-N-BZ485-1002
A native of Columbus, Ohio, Commander Pritchett graduated from Miami University in 2005, earning a Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems. CDR Pritchett was commissioned through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps Program and reported to NAS Pensacola, FL for flight training in June 2005. CDR Pritchett completed Advanced Multi-Engine Training at the top of his class in April 2007 and was designated a Naval Aviator, earning his coveted Wings of Gold.   In May 2007, CDR Pritchett reported to the VP 30 “Pros Nest” for initial fleet training as a P-3C Pilot. 

Upon completing initial P-3C Fleet Replacement Training, CDR Pritchett joined the Mad Foxes of Patrol Squadron FIVE (VP-5) in January of 2008 where he completed FOURTH, SIXTH, and SEVENTH Fleet deployments.  While assigned to the Mad Foxes, CDR Pritchett served as the Ground Safety Officer, AW Division Officer, Schedules Officer, Senior Watch Officer, and Pilot Training Officer.

In April, 2011, CDR Pritchett reported for instructor duty at Patrol Squadron THIRTY (VP-30) based in Jacksonville, FL.  Following the FRS IUT syllabus, he was selected to attend Weapons and Tactics Instructor training and subsequently selected to instruct at the Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Weapons School. As a “Pro’s Nest Pro” he served as Instructor Pilot,  Airframes Branch Officer, MPRWS Weapons Pilot, Fleet Instructor Under Training Instructor Pilot, Fleet NATOPS Evaluator, and FRS Instructor Under Training (IUT) Instructor Pilot. While at VP-30, CDR Pritchett earned a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Florida.

In January, 2014, CDR Pritchett reported to the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) based in San Diego, CA as the Assistant Strike Operations Officer.  While aboard the Reagan, CDR Pritchett qualified and served as Officer of the Deck (Underway), completed the first ever 3-Carrier hull-swap, and completed a SEVENTH Fleet patrol during the Reagan’s homeport change to serve as the FDNF carrier.

In June, 2016, CDR Pritchett reported to Patrol Squadron FORTY-SIX (VP-46) for his Department Head tour. While aboard VP-46, he completed two operational deployments to the FIFTH and SEVENTH FLEET AORs and served as the Operations Officer, Training Officer, and Safety NATOPS Officer. Following his operational Department Head tour, CDR Pritchett served as the Operations Officer for Commander, Task Force 32 at Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing Ten.

Following completion of the P-8A Poseidon transition syllabus at VP-30 in Jacksonville, FL, CDR Pritchett reported for duty to Patrol Squadron FOUR SEVEN (VP-47) to serve as the Executive Officer.

CDR Pritchett has accumulated over 2,500 flight hours in 5 aircraft. His personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, three Navy Commendation Medals, the Navy Achievement Medal, and various service/unit awards.  He is married to the former Melissa Herdeman of Cincinnati, OH. They have two daughters, Taylor and Avery, and a son, Owen. They currently live in Anacortes, WA.

Leaders

Commander John Pritchett

Commanding Officer, Patrol Squadron (VP) 47

Commander Alex C. Yu-Rank

Executive Officer, Patrol Squadron 46

Command Master Chief Danal J. Shaffer

Command Master Chief, Patrol Squadron (VP) 47


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