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Commander Timmester, a native of Annandale, VA, graduated from the University of Virginia in 2000 with a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering. In 2002, he earned his commission through Officer Candidate School at NAS Pensacola, FL. After earning his wings of gold as a Naval Flight Officer in July 2003, he reported to the “Grim Reapers” of VF-101 at NAS Oceana, VA, to receive training in the F-14D Tomcat.
In May 2004, CDR Timmester joined the “Black Lions” of VF-213. During a deployment aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) in 2005-2006, the squadron conducted sorties in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. After returning home, the “Black Lions” transitioned to the F/A-18F Super Hornet and redesignated as VFA-213.
In 2007, CDR Timmester attended the Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN) for training as a Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor (SFTI) with follow-on orders to the Strike Fighter Weapons School Atlantic (SFWSL). At SFWSL he served as the combat systems subject matter expert and a Forward Airborne Controller (Airborne) instructor.
In February 2010, CDR Timmester joined the “Fighting Checkmates” of VFA-211 as a training officer. He and the “Checkmates” deployed onboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65) in 2011 in support of Operations ENDURING FREEDOM and NEW DAWN and other contingencies. In 2012, he was selected as the Commander, Naval Air Forces Naval Flight Officer of the Year.
From March 2012 to September 2013, CDR Timmester attended the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA, where he earned an M.A. in Security Studies and completed JMPE 1 though the U.S. Naval War College.
In December 2013, CDR Timmester joined the “Black Knights” of VFA-154 at NAS Lemoore, CA, where he served as Maintenance Officer and Quality Assurance Officer.
In January 2016, CDR Timmester joined the Strategy, Engagement, and Programs Directorate (J-5) of U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) in Stuttgart, Germany. As the J-5 Campaign Plan Branch Chief, he led the rewrite of AFRICOM’s primary document for prioritizing and synchronizing theater activities.CDR Timmester has accumulated over 2100 flight hours and 300 carrier arrested landings. His personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Strike Flight Air Medal (two awards), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (three awards), and numerous other campaign and service awards.
Last Updated: 4 April 2022