An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Commander Jesse D. King

A native of San Diego, California, Commander King graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2003, earning a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. CDR King reported to VT 10 “Wildcats” in Pensacola, FL for flight training in December of 2003. In December 2004, CDR King reported to the VAW 120 “Greyhawks” for initial fleet training, earning his Naval Aviator Wings in February 2006.

CDR King began his operational flying in March 2006 with the “Wallbangers” of VAW 117 in Point Mugu, California. While a “Banger”, he made deployments aboard the USS NIMITZ (CVN 68), in support of Operations IRAQI FREEDOM and ENDURING FREEDOM. A graduate of the NAVY STRIKE FIGHTER WEAPONS SCHOOL (TOPGUN) in 2007, CDR King served as Training Officer, NATOPS Officer, and Combat Search and Rescue Subject Matter Expert.

CDR King then reported to the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, D.C. as an Acquisitions and Projects Officer flying with the “Warlocks” of VXS 1 in Patuxent River, Maryland. He served as the sole Naval Flight Officer for the Missile Defense Agency, Officer of Naval Research, and Naval Research Laboratory. His projects included Test and Evaluation of the Navy Dirigible Program, Test and Evaluation of Intermediate Missile Defense Capabilities, as well as working with Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency.

CDR King reported to NAS Corpus Christi, TX in January 2010 for flight training. He earned his pilot Naval Aviator Wings in January 2012 and reported back to VAW 120 “Greyhawks” for initial fleet training as a C-2A Pilot.

Upon completion of training, CDR King reported to the “Providers” of VRC 30 in December 2012 to start his operational flying. While a “Provider”, he made a deployment aboard the USS RONALD REAGAN (CVN 76) with Detachment FIVE in support of Operation DAMAYAN. In January of 2015 CDR King transitioned to the Naval Reserves and was immediately activated with Detachment ONE aboard USS CARL VINSON (CVN 70) in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE. While activated CDR King served as Operations Officer, Training Officer, and Safety Officer.

In 2017, while a civilian, CDR King flew for L3 Harris Technologies in Afghanistan and African. Serving as a mission commander for an Airborne Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platform, CDR King provided Forward Air Control for United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) missions in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE as well as participated in direct combat actions against ISIS in Afghanistan.

In 2018, CDR King was recalled to full active duty and assigned as a Department Head to VRC 30 and once again served as homeguard Operations Officer, Safety Officer, and Training Officer. In October 2022, he was selected as the VRC 30 Sundown Executive Officer.

CDR King has accumulated more than 2,500 flight hours and 150 carrier landings. His personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (4) and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.

Last Updated: 7 December 2022


Guidance-Card-Icon Dept-Exclusive-Card-Icon