A native of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, Commander Edwards graduated from The University of Tennessee in 2004, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. CDR Edwards was commissioned through the Officer Candidate School Program and reported to NAS Pensacola, FL for flight training in January 2005. He earned his Naval Flight Officer Wings in October 2006. In January 2007, CDR Edwards reported to the VFA-122 “Flying Eagles” for initial fleet training as a FA-18F Weapon Systems Officer (WSO).

CDR Edwards began his operational flying in December 2007 with the “Fighting Checkmates” of VFA-211.  While a “Checkmate,” he made one deployment aboard USS ENTERPRISE (CVN 65), participating in Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.  During this tour CDR Edwards was selected to attend the Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN) to complete the Strike Fighter Training Instructor (SFTI) syllabus.

After graduating from the Navy Fighter Weapons School, CDR Edwards reported to the Strike Fighter Weapons School Atlantic (SFWSL) in July 2011 as an SFTI.  At SFWSL he served as the combat systems subject matter expert and a Forward Airborne Controller (Airborne) instructor.  CDR Edwards completed a successful instructor tour where he served as the SFWSL Training Officer as well as the Tactical Development Assistant Head.

CDR Edwards returned to the fleet as the Strike Operations Officer for Carrier Airwing EIGHT (CVW-8).  While with CVW-8, he completed one combat deployment aboard USS GEORGE H. W. Bush (CVN-77) in support of Operation Inherent Resolve and Operation Enduring Freedom.

Upon completion of his CVW-8 tour, CDR Edwards reported to the VFA-2 “Bounty Hunters” as a Department Head.  While with the “Bounty Hunters,” he completed two Western Pacific deployments aboard USS CARL VINSON (CVN 70) conducting Freedom of Navigation (FON) and forward presence operations, serving as both Operations Officer and Maintenance Officer. 

Following his department head tour, CDR Edwards reported to the United States Naval War College (USNWC) in February 2019 and began studies in Defense and Strategy.  In March of 2020 he graduated from the USNWC and was awarded a Master of Arts degree in Defense and Strategic Studies.  He selected for squadron command in March 2019 and reported to the VFA-22 “Fighting Redcocks” as Executive Officer in June 2021.

CDR Edwards has accumulated over 2,100 flight hours in the FA-18F Super Hornet and over 500 carrier arrested landings, including 34 combat missions. His awards include the Strike/Flight Air Medal (1 award), Navy Commendation Medal (3 awards), and Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal and various service awards and ribbons.  CDR Edwards is married to Mrs. Ashley Edwards with whom he shares two children, Rylee and Gabe.



 

Last Updated: 14 September 2022