A native of Sparta, New Jersey, Commander Holden graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2007, earning a Bachelor’s of Science in Aerospace Engineering.  Commander Holden reported to NAS Pensacola, FL for flight training in June 2007 and earned his Naval Aviator Wings in July 2009 following the completion of advanced jet training at NAS Kingsville, TX.  He then reported to NAS Oceana, VA for initial fleet training with the VFA-106 GLADIATORS in the FA-18C Hornet. 

Commander Holden joined the operational fleet in June 2010 with the VIGILANTES of VFA-151 based in Lemoore, CA.  While at the VIGILANTES, he made two deployments onboard USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN 72), flying combat missions in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.  At the conclusion of this tour CDR Holden was selected to attend the Navy Fighter Weapons School TOPGUN. 

Following the completion of TOPGUN, Commander Holden reported to Strike Fighter Weapons School Pacific (SFWSP) as a Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor and Subject Matter Expert.  CDR Holden operated the FA-18A-F while supporting the Strike Fighter Advanced Readiness Program (SFARP) and Strike Fighter Weapons and Tactics (SFWT) syllabus.

Following his assignment at SFWSP, CDR Holden reported to the GRIM REAPERS of VFA-101 at Eglin AFB, FL to qualify in the F-35C Lightning II. After completing his syllabus at VFA-101, Commander Holden returned to NAS Lemoore as a plank owning member of the VFA-125 ROUGH RAIDERS and served as an F-35C instructor pilot.

At the completion of his tour at VFA-125, Commander Holden requalified in the FA-18E Super Hornet and reported to the KNIGHTHAWKS of VFA-136 as a department head.  As a KNIGHTHAWK, he deployed twice onboard USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN 75) in support of OPERATION INHERENT RESOLVE and regional deterrence.

After his department head tour, Commander Holden served as the Master Aviation Plan Writer on Commander Naval Air Force Atlantic (CNAL) staff in Norfolk, VA.  While working on CNAL staff, he earned his Masters of Business Administration from William and Mary University.  Upon completion of his staff assignment, Commander Holden completed refresher training in the FA-18E Super Hornet in preparation for joining the VFA-146 BLUE DIAMONDS as Executive Officer.  Commander Holden has accumulated over 2,000 flight hours and 500 carrier arrested landings.  He has been awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, Strike/Flight Air Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, and numerous service awards and ribbons.
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