A native of Franklin, TN, Commander Rives graduated from Auburn University in 2008, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering. CDR Rives was commissioned through the NROTC Program in May 2008 and reported to NAS Pensacola, FL for initial flight training. He was designated a Naval Flight Officer in January 2010 and in March 2010 he reported to VFA-106 for initial fleet training as an F/A-18F Weapons Systems Officer. 

CDR Rives reported to the “Jolly Rogers” of VFA-103 in November 2010. While a “Jolly Roger” he completed two deployments aboard USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN 69), flying combat missions in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM in 2012 and 2013. During this tour, CDR Rives was selected to attend the Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN) in September 2013.

After graduating from TOPGUN, CDR Rives reported to Strike Fighter Weapons School Atlantic in December 2013. While at SFWSL, he served as a Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor and a FAC(A) Instructor. During his instructor tour, CDR Rives was SFWSL’s ATFLIR and Tactical Crew Coordination subject matter expert.

In April 2016, CDR Rives returned to the fleet as the Strike Operations Officer for Carrier Air Wing EIGHT. While with CVW-8, he deployed aboard USS GEORGE H.W. BUSH (CVN 77), flying combat missions in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE in 2017
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CDR Rives reported to the United States Naval War College in Newport, RI in March 2018. He completed his course of studies in March 2019, earning a Master of Arts degree in Defense and Strategic Studies
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Returning to the fleet in June 2019, CDR Rives joined the “Black Knights” of VFA-154. As a department head, he served as Administrative Officer, Maintenance Officer and Operations Officer. During his time with the “Black Knights” CDR Rives completed two deployments aboard USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN 71) in the USINDOPACOM area of responsibility in 2020 and 2021.

In December 2021, CDR Rives reported to Deputy Director, Joint Training, Joint Staff J7 in Suffolk, VA where he served as the Desk Officer to United States Special Operations Command. Additionally, he was the Joint Staff’s JTAC Continuation Training Program Manager.

In January 2024, CDR Rives departed the Joint Staff J7 and reported to the “Black Aces” of VFA-41 as Executive Officer in September 2024.

CDR Rives has accumulated over 2,000 flight hours and 565 carrier arrested landings. His personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Strike/Flight Air Medal (2 awards), the Navy Commendation Medal (3 awards), and the Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal along with various unit, service, and campaign awards.
 

Last Updated: 4 November 2024