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Commander Joshua M. Ales

A native of Carthage, Missouri, Commander Ales graduated from Pittsburg State University in 2002, earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. CDR Ales was commissioned through Navy Officer Candidate School at NAS Pensacola, FL in April 2003 and reported to flight training in June 2003.  He earned his Naval Flight Officer Wings in October 2004. In December 2004, CDR Ales reported to the VAQ 129 “Vikings” for initial fleet training as an EA-6B Electronic Countermeasures Officer. 

CDR Ales began his operational flying in January 2006 with the “Rooks” of VAQ 137.  While a “Rook”, he made two deployments aboard USS ENTERPRISE (CVN 65), flying combat missions in Operation IRAQI FREEDOM and Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.
 
Following his first fleet tour, CDR Ales deployed to Afghanistan with Naval Special Warfare Development Group to support Operation ENDURING FREEDOM as Electronic Warfare Officer and Assistant Fires Support Officer from January to July 2009.

Commander Ales reported to the to the VAQ 129 “Vikings” as a Fleet Replacement Squadron Instructor in August 2009 and completed transition to the EA-18G Growler in May of 2010.  During this tour Commander Ales was selected as the LT David Dillon Inspirational Leadership Award recipient and was one of the Initial Cadre of Growler Tactics Instructors to complete the HAVOC Course in NAWDC.

In November 2012, Commander Ales returned to the fleet as Training Officer in VAQ-130, the “Zappers”.  While with the Zappers, he completed one deployment aboard USS HARRY S TRUMAN (CVN 75) flying combat missions in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.

Commander Ales reported to VAQ-136, the “Gauntlets” in September 2014 for his Department Head tour.  While with the Gauntlets, he completed SOUTHERN SEAS deployment aboard USS GEORGE WASHINGTON and served as Safety, Operations, and Maintenance Officer.  During his tour with the Gauntlets, Commander Ales was one of the first EA-18G Aircrew to complete the NAWDC Air Wing Strike Lead Course and was designated a SEAD Mission Commander by Commander Carrier Air Wing Two.

Following his Department Head tour, Commander Ales served as VAQ Aviation Assignments Officer, Navy Personnel Command.  While serving in NPC, he was responsible for the Career Management of all O-4 and junior Electronic Attack aircrew.

In July 2019 he reported to VAQ-141 as Executive Officer and assumed Command in August 2020. He deployed three times with the SHADOWHAWKS onboard USS RONALD REAGAN in support of PACOM and CENTCOM objectives and VAQ-141 was awarded the “Battle E” for calendar year 2021 under his command.

Following his Command Tour, CDR Ales was selected for Bonus Command and reported to CVWP for PCO training prior to assuming Command of VAQ-129 in April 2022.

CDR Ales has accumulated over 3,000 flight hours in EA-6B, EA-18G and other model aircraft and 600 carrier arrested landings, and 92 combat missions. His awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Strike/Flight Air Medal (4), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (4), and Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2) and various unit, service, and campaign awards and ribbons.
 
 

Last Updated: 23 August 2022


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