A native of Decatur, IL, Captain William “Tank” Frank earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication from Purdue University in 2001. Capt. Frank was commissioned through Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps in December of 2001 and immediately began flight training at NAS Pensacola, FL. Earning his Naval Aviator Wings of Gold in September of 2003, he reported to NAS Oceana, VA, and the “Grim Reapers” of VF-101 for initial flight training in the F-14D Tomcat.  In May of 2004 CAPT Frank reported to the “Tomcatters” of VF-31 deploying to the Western Pacific aboard USS JOHN C. STENNIS (CVN 74) and to the Arabian Gulf aboard USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN 71) in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. 

In October 2006, Capt. Frank transitioned to the F/A-18F Super Hornet with the "Gladiators" of VFA-106 at NAS Oceana, VA where he served as an instructor flying the F/A-18 B/D/F. In January of 2009, he was assigned to CVW-1 staff as Strike Operations Officer, deploying in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM aboard USS ENTERPRISE (CVN 65).

Capt. Frank reported for his department head tour to the “Black Knights” of VFA-154 in February 2012, deploying in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM aboard the USS NIMITZ (CVN 68). Following a successful tour with the “Black Knights,” Capt. Frank was selected to report to the “Flying Eagles” of VFA-122, where he served as the operations officer for the west coast F/A-18 E/F Fleet Replacement Squadron.  

In 2017, Capt. Frank reported as the executive officer of VFA-22 and assumed command in November 2018.  While in the command, the Fighting Redcocks deployed in support of Operations INHERENT RESOLVE and FREEDOM’S SENTINEL aboard the USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN 71). Upon completion of his command tour with VFA-22, Capt. Frank attended the Dwight D. Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy in Ft. McNair, Washington DC, where he earned a Master of Science Degree in National Resource Strategy.  In 2021, Capt. Frank assumed command of VFA-122 in Lemoore, CA. Capt. Frank assumed command of Carrier Air Wing 9 in March 2025.


He has accumulated over 3,700 flight hours and over 800 carrier arrested landings and has received numerous personal and unit awards. Capt. Frank has been married to his wife, Laura, for over 23 years and they have three children. 

Last Updated: 4 April 2025