Captain Kevin McNatt graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2001, earning a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Upon graduation, CAPT McNatt proceeded through the aviation training pipeline at NAS Pensacola, FL, NAS Corpus Christi, TX, and NAS Kingsville, TX, flying T-34C and T-45A aircraft. In June 2003, he arrived at VFA-122 at NAS Lemoore, CA to begin training as a replacement pilot in the F/A-18E/F.

CAPT McNatt’s operational assignments include tours as a Junior Officer in Strike Fighter Squadron ONE FIVE FOUR (VFA-154) from 2004 to 2006, a Training Officer in VFA-25 from 2009 to 2011, a Department Head in VFA-97 from 2012 to 2015, and as the Executive Officer and Commanding Officer of VFA-146 from 2018 to 2020. CAPT McNatt flew F/A-18C and F/A-18E/F aircraft throughout these tours, supporting combat operations to include Operations IRAQI FREEDOM, ENDURING FREEDOM, and NEW DAWN.

Shore assignments for CAPT McNatt include Training Officer at Air Test and Evaluation Squadron NINE (VX-9) from 2006 to 2009, the Mission Assurance and Defense Critical Infrastructure Branch Chief at U.S. NORTHERN COMMAND from 2015 to 2017, and as the F/A-18E/F and EA-18G Air Vehicle Integrated Product Team Co-Lead at Program Management, Air TWO SIX FIVE (PMA-265) from 2021 to 2023.

CAPT McNatt is a graduate of the Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN) and earned a Masters of Military Operational Art and Science at Air Staff and Command College, Maxwell AFB, AL in 2011.

CAPT McNatt has accumulated over 2700 hours, 86 combat missions, and over 650 arrested landings. His military awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (2), Strike/Flight Air Medal (4), Navy Commendation Medal (3), and various other unit and campaign awards