A native of Camby, Indiana, Commander Michael “Waylon” Jennings graduated from Purdue University in 2006 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Aviation Technology Professional Flight. CDR Jennings was commissioned through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps Program and reported to NAS Pensacola, FL for flight training in January 2007. He earned his Naval Aviator Wings in March 2009 and reported to the VFA-125 “Rough Raiders” at NAS Lemoore, CA for initial fleet training in the F/A-18C Hornet.

    CDR Jennings began his operational flying in May 2010 with the “Fists of the Fleet” of VFA-25.  While a “Fisty”, he made two combat deployments aboard USS CARL VINSON (CVN 70) in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE and Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.  After two combat deployments, CDR Jennings assisted VFA-25 in transitioning to the F/A-18E Super Hornet.  At the conclusion of this tour, CDR Jennings was selected to attend the Navy Fighter Weapons School TOPGUN. 

    In September 2013, CDR Jennings graduated TOPGUN and reported to VFA-101 “Grim Reapers” at Eglin Air Force Base, FL to begin training in the F-35C Lightning II.  After completion of his tour at VFA-101, CDR Jennings reported to NAS Lemoore, CA in January 2016 to stand up VFA-125 “Rough Raiders” as the new F-35C Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS).

    CDR Jennings returned to the fleet in October 2018 as a Department Head with the “Argonauts” of VFA-147.  While with the “Argos”, he assisted in the squadron fully transitioning from F/A-18s to the F-35C, serving as the Operations Officer and Maintenance Officer.
 
    Following his department head tour, CDR Jennings attended the United States Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island in February 2021.  While attending, CDR Jennings participated in the Halsey Bravo Advanced Research Project and earned a Master’s Degree in Defense and Strategic Studies.
 
    In December 2023, CDR Jennings reported to VFA-97 “Warhawks” as its Executive Officer.

    CDR Jennings has accumulated more than 2,000 flight hours and over 250 carrier arrested landings. His personal decorations include the Strike/Flight Air Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (3 awards), Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2 awards) along with various unit and service-related awards.