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Commander Chad Walker

A native of Sebastopol, California, Commander Walker graduated from Western Carolina University in 1997, earning a Bachelor of Science in Biology. CDR Walker was commissioned through the Officer Candidate School, NAS Pensacola, FL and began flight training in August of 2003. He earned his Naval Flight Officer Wings in November 2004. In January 2005, CDR Walker reported to the VAQ 129 “Vikings” for initial fleet training as an EA-6B Electronic Countermeasures Officer. 

CDR Walker began his operational flying in January 2006 with the “Lancers” of VAQ 131.  While a “Lancer,” he made two deployments aboard USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN 72), participating in Operation IRAQI FREEDOM and Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.  During this tour, he graduated from the Electronic Attack Weapons School Prowler Tactics Instructor course.

CDR Walker reported to the NAVSTKAIRWARCENT (NSAWC) in August 2009 as a Suppression of Enemy Air Defense (SEAD) and Highspeed Anti-Radiation Missile instructor (HARM) subject matter expert.  In May of 2012, he reported to the “Garudas” of VAQ-134 as the squadron Training Officer.  During this tour, he deployed aboard USS GEORGE H. W. BUSH (CVN 77) in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM and Operation INHERENT RESOLVE.   CDR Walker was selected as the Electronic Attack Wing Pacific Tactics Instructor of the year for 2013.
 
After transitioning to the EA-18G, CDR Walker returned to the fleet as a Department Head in VAQ-139, the “Cougars.”  While with the Cougars, he completed one deployment aboard USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN 71) in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE, serving as the safety, administration, operations, and maintenance Officers. 

Following his department head tour, CDR Walker served as the Air Operations Section Chief for NATO Joint Electronic Warfare Core Staff (JEWCS) stationed in the United Kingdom.  While on the Staff, his efforts supported NATO Integrated Air and Missile Defense readiness.

CDR Walker has accumulated over 2,300 flight hours, and 491 carrier arrested landings in the EA-6B and EA-18G, including 86 combat missions. His awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Strike/Flight Air Medal (1 award), Navy Commendation Medal (3 awards), and Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2 awards), and various service awards and ribbons.
 

Last Updated: 24 January 2023


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