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Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 115 “Eagles”

Commander Matthew Holladay

Commanding Officer, Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 115

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VIRIN: 231204-N-CO554-1001
A 2004 graduate of the United States Naval Academy, Commander Holladay earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science before reporting to NAS Pensacola for training as a Student Naval Aviator. CDR Holladay completed Primary Flight Instruction at NAS Corpus Christi, TX, flying the T-34C Turbo Mentor, and was selected for tactical jet training. He moved to NAS Meridian, MS to train in the T-45 Goshawk and earned his Wings of Gold in December of 2006. 

CDR Holladay selected F/A-18 Super Hornets and reported to the Flying Eagles of VFA-122 for replacement pilot training. After successfully completing the Super Hornet syllabus he was assigned to VFA-103, the Jolly Rogers, for his first fleet tour flying the F/A-18F.

During his tour with VFA-103, CDR Holladay deployed aboard the USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN-73) around Central and South America. He also completed two deployments aboard USS DWIGHT D. ESIENHOWER (CVN-69) flying combat missions over Afghanistan in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. While attached to the Jolly Rogers he served as Schedules Officer, Ground Safety Officer, and Aircraft Division Officer. 

In 2011, CDR Holladay reported to the Vampires of Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Nine in China Lake, CA. While with the Vampires, he served as the Joint Mission Planning Systems Project Officer and Quality Assurance Officer.  He flew numerous test events for emerging aircraft software and weapon systems in both the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and F/A-18C/D Hornet. In 2013, CDR Holladay reported to Carrier Air Wing Nine to serve as the Assistant Operations Officer. 

His department head tour began in 2015 when CDR Holladay was assigned to VFA-143, the World Famous Pukin’ Dogs. He deployed aboard the USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN-75) flying combat sorties over Iraq and Syria in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE. While with the Dogs he served as the Admin Officer, Safety Officer, Maintenance Officer, and Operations Officer. 

In 2018, CDR Holladay reported as a student to the Naval War College in Newport, RI where he graduated with distinction with a Master of Arts in Defense and Strategic Studies. After graduation, he reported to Commander, Strike Fighter Wing Pacific as the Safety Officer. In 2020, CDR Holladay was selected for aviation operational command and reported to VFA-122 as the Executive Officer.   In March of 2022 he reported as Executive Officer to the Eagles of VFA-115 in Iwakuni, Japan.

CDR Holladay has accumulated over 2,600 flight hours and more than 500 arrested landings. He has flown missions in support of two different campaigns totaling 80 combat sorties in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria. His awards include the Strike/Flight Air Medal (5 awards), Navy Commendation Medal (5 awards), Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2 awards), and other personal, campaign, and service ribbons. 

Leaders

Commander Matthew Holladay

Commanding Officer, Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 115

Commander William Gifford

Executive Officer, Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 115

Command Master Chief Frederick “Mike” Tyler

Command Master Chief, Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 115


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