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Commander Tony “DIRTY” Kopp
Executive Officer, Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 137
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A native of Jacksonville, Florida, Commander Kopp graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2007, earning a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering. Upon commissioning, he reported to NAS Pensacola, FL for initial flight training with follow-on training at NAS Corpus Christi, TX and NAS Kingsville, TX. He earned his Naval Aviator Wings in July 2009 and reported to the VFA-106 “Gladiators” for initial fleet training in the FA-18C Hornet.
CDR Kopp began his operational flying in May 2010 with the “Valions” of VFA-15. While a Valion, he deployed aboard USS GEORGE HW BUSH (CVN 77), participating in Operation ENDURING FREEDOM and Operation NEW DAWN. During this tour, CDR Kopp earned his Wing Landing Signals Officer qualification and was selected to attend the Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN).
CDR Kopp reported to the Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center (NAWDC) as an Air Wing Instructor on the N5/STRIKE Staff and graduated from TOPGUN as a Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor in September 2013. During his time at STRIKE, CDR Kopp served as a Strike Fighter Instructor, Air Wing Fallon Standardization Officer, and F-16 Instructor Pilot. Additionally, he was the Maritime Employment Subject Matter Expert focusing on Air Wing integration in long-range maritime strikes and flew the FA 18A-F and F-16A Fighting Falcon.
CDR Kopp returned to the fleet in February 2016 as the Training Officer for the “Wildcats” of VFA-131. While with the Wildcats, he deployed aboard USS DWIGHT D EISENHOWER (CVN 69) in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE and led the pilot training for VFA-131’s transition from the FA-18C Hornet to the FA-18E Super Hornet. In April 2019, CDR Kopp reported to the “Tomcatters” of VFA-31 as a Department Head. During his time with the Tomcatters, CDR Kopp served as the Administration, Safety, Maintenance, and Operations Department Head and deployed twice aboard USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN 71) in support of operations in the INDOPACOM Area of Responsibility.
Following his department head tour, CDR Kopp served as a strategic planner in U.S. European Command’s Russia Strategic Initiative. While at EUCOM, he directly supported Commander, U.S. European Command in his role as the Coordinating Authority for the Russia Problem Set and selected for squadron command in March 2022.
CDR Kopp has accumulated over 2,600 flight hours and 500 carrier arrested landings. His personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Strike/Flight Air Medal (2 awards), Navy Commendation Medal (3 awards), Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and various service awards and ribbons.
CDR Kopp is married to CDR Anna Kopp, a career MH-60S pilot from Corpus Christi, TX. Together, they have four children: Walker, Asher, Faye, and Cora.
Last Updated: 16 May 2024
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