A native of Franklin, TN, Commander Turner graduated from the Virginia Military Institute in 2008, earning a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.  CDR Turner was commissioned through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps Program and reported to NAS Pensacola, FL for flight training in June of 2008. He earned his Naval Aviator Wings in November 2010.  In January 2011, CDR Turner reported to the VAQ-129 “Vikings” for initial fleet training as an EA-18G Pilot.

CDR Turner began operational flying in February 2012 with the “Zappers” of VAQ-130.  There, he served as NATOPS, Schedules, and Line Division Officer.  While a “Zapper,” he deployed to the Fifth Fleet area of responsibility with CVW-3 in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM and maritime security operations in the Arabian Gulf from July 2013 to April 2014.  After his return from deployment, CDR Turner reported to Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center for training as a Growler Tactics Instructor and graduated in December 2014.

From March 2015 to August 2017, CDR Turner served as an instructor at the Electronic Attack Weapons School stationed in NAS Whidbey Island, WA.  During that time, he trained squadrons through the Electronic Warfare Advanced Readiness Program and served as Safety Officer, Mess Officer, Growler Weapons and Tactics Program Coordinator, as well as the Basic Fighter Maneuvers and High-Speed Anti-Radiation Missiles Subject Matter Expert.

Following his shore tour, CDR Turner joined the VAQ-135 “Black Ravens” as their Training Officer, and deployed to Al Udeid, Airbase, Qatar in support of OPERATIONS INHERENT RESOLVE and FREEDOM’S SENTINEL from October 2018 to March 2019.

CDR Turner then reported to the VAQ-138 “Yellow Jackets” in June 2019 for his Department Head tour where he served as the Safety, Logistics, Operations, and Maintenance Officers as well as Security Manager.  There he deployed twice to the Indo-Pacific stationed in Misawa, Airbase, Aomori, Japan from August 2019 to April 2020 and August to November 2021.

CDR Turner then reported to the Joint Staff (J5) Directorate for Strategy, Plans & Policy, Deputy Directorate for Political Military Affairs - Asia, Northeast Asia Division, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and Regional Strategy Branch where he served as an Action Officer and Strategist from December 2021 to 2023.  There he was selected for Commander and Aviation Operational Command.  He reported to VAQ-130 as Executive Officer in August 2024. 

CDR Turner has accumulated over 2,300 hours, over 200 carrier arrested landings, including 51 combat missions.  His awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Strike/Flight Air Medal (2 awards), Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, and Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal (3 awards) and various campaign, service, and personal awards.

Last Updated: 18 December 2024