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Commander Chris “Wildcat” Pratt

CDR Pratt is a native of Bellingham, WA. He earned his commission through the Stanford University NROTC program in June 2005. He was designated as a Naval Flight Officer (NFO) in February 2007 and redesignated as a Naval Aviator in September 2011.

After completing initial training in the EA-6B Prowler, CDR Pratt served at Electronic Attack Squadron ONE FOUR ZERO (VAQ-140) from May 2008 until October 2010. He participated in two deployments with Carrier Air Wing SEVEN aboard USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN-69) to the North Arabian Gulf supporting Operation ENDURING FREEDOM and was temporarily assigned to the Combined Air Operations Center in Al Udeid, Qatar as the Navy EA-6B Liaison Officer.

CDR Pratt was selected for the NFO to Pilot transition program and was designated as a Naval Aviator in September 2011. After completing initial training in the MH-60S Knighthawk, he served at Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron FOUR (HSC-4) from June 2012 until October 2014, where he participated in RIMPAC 2012, RIMPAC 2014 as Detachment AOIC aboard USNS RAINIER (T-AOE-7), and a work-up cycle with Carrier Air Wing TWO aboard USS RONALD REAGAN (CVN-76).

From October 2014 until February 2016, CDR Pratt served as the Aide to Commander, Navy Personnel Command in Millington, TN. He subsequently reported to HSC-23 for his Department Head tour from February 2016 until October 2019. He served as Det OIC supporting the final phases of F-35B Operational Testing aboard USS AMERICA (LHA-6). He also augmented HSC-4 for their 2017 WESTPAC deployment aboard USS CARL VINSON (CVN-70).

CDR Pratt then attended the Naval War College, earning a Master of Arts degree in Defense and Strategic Studies, with distinction. Thereafter, he reported to Chief of Naval Operations (OPNAV) N81, Assessments Division where he worked as a Warfighting Analyst managing the Information, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Targeting portfolio. He was selected as the 2021 OPNAV N8 Action Officer of the Year.

CDR Pratt is currently serving as the Commanding Officer at Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Squadron FIVE ZERO (VRM-50), the Navy’s newest Fleet Replacement Squadron, flying the CMV-22B. He has accumulated over 3,000 flight hours in the EA-6B Prowler, MH-60S Knighthawk, and CMV-22B Osprey. Unit awards include Battle E and Humanitarian Service Medal; personal awards include Meritorious Service Medal (2 awards), Strike/Flight Air Medal (3 awards), Navy Commendation Medal (3 awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (3 awards).

Last Updated: 31 January 2024


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