Captain Mike Donovan, a native of Wausau, WI, was commissioned in 2003 through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps after graduating from Marquette University with a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science. After earning his designation as a Naval Aviator in 2006, CAPT Donovan completed F/A-18E/F Super Hornet training with Strike Fighter Squadron ONE ZERO SIX (VFA-106).

CAPT Donovan’s operational assignments include serving as the Commanding Officer of Strike Fighter Squadron TWO SEVEN (VFA-27), the Operations and Maintenance Officer in Strike Fighter Squadron ONE THREE SEVEN (VFA-137), the Training Officer in Strike Fighter Squadron ONE ONE FIVE (VFA-115), and the Assistant Operations Officer in Strike Fighter Squadron VFA-137. He has deployed six times to the Indo-Pacific, Arabian Gulf, and Arabian Sea regions in support of Operations IRAQI FREEDOM, ENDURING FREEDOM, and FREEDOM’S SENTINEL. 

Ashore, CAPT Donovan served as a Military Aide to the Vice President of the United States, as a Service Deputy in the F-35 Joint Program Office, as Chief of Staff in the Joint Strike Fighter Wing (CJSFW), and as a Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor at Strike Fighter Weapons School Pacific (SFWSP). CAPT Donovan is a 2010 graduate of the Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN). CAPT Donovan earned a Master of Science in National Security Strategy from the National War College and a Master of Science in Leadership from Norwich University.

CAPT Donovan transitioned to fly the F-35C aircraft in 2026 and assumed the duties as the Deputy Commander of the Joint Strike Fighter Wing onboard Naval Air Station Lemoore.

CAPT Donovan has accumulated over 3,200 flight hours and 630 carrier-arrested landings. He attributes his personal, unit, and service awards to the outstanding service members he has proudly served with.
 

Last Updated: 12 March 2026