A native of Sister Bay, Wisconsin, Commander McCain graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in 2003, earning a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Technology. CDR McCain was commissioned through Officer Candidate School and reported to NAS Pensacola, FL for flight training in March 2005. He earned his Naval Aviator Wings in April 2007. In May 2007, CDR McCain reported to the VFA-106 “Gladiators” for initial fleet training as an F/A-18 Super Hornet Pilot.
 
CDR McCain began his operational flying in February 2008 with the “Swordsmen” of VFA-32.  While a “Swordsmen”, he made two deployments aboard USS HARRY TRUMAN (CVN 75), participating in Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, and Operation NEW DAWN. He served as Ground Safety Officer, Schedules Officer, and Line Division Officer. During this tour CDR McCain earned his Forward Air Controller (Airborne) qualification.
 
CDR McCain reported back to the “Gladiators” of VFA-106 in February 2011, this time as an instructor pilot training replacement aircrew in the F/A-18A-F. While there he served as schedules officer, strike phase head, and T-34C NATOPS and standardization officer. CDR McCain said farewell to the “Gladiators” in December 2013 and moved across the country for a disassociated sea tour at Naval Special Warfare Group ONE on Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, CA as a Fires Officer and Joint Terminal Attack Controller Instructor. While there, CDR McCain was charged with standing up the FIRES element of Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force Iraq, becoming a plank owner of that unit while deployed to Baghdad in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE.
 
CDR McCain returned to the fleet as a Department Head in the “Mighty Shrikes” of VFA-94.  While with the Shrikes, he completed a deployment aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) in support of Operations INHERENT RESOLVE and FREEDOM’S SENTINEL, serving as Safety, Quality Assurance, Operations, and Maintenance Officer.
 
Following his department head tour, CDR McCain served as a joint officer at NORAD/USNORTHCOM in Colorado Springs. While there he supported the command center as the Development and Integration Branch Chief. Additionally, he earned a qualification as a Land and Maritime Domain watch officer.  He selected for squadron command in March 2020 and reported to the ‘Tophatters” of VFA-14 as Executive Officer in April 2022.
 
CDR McCain has accumulated over 3,100 flight hours and 488 carrier arrested landings, including 40 combat missions.  His awards include the Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Strike/Flight Air Medal (4 awards), Navy Commendation Medal (3 awards), Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal and various service awards and ribbons.