A native of Madison, Wisconsin, Commander Solfelt graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2006, with a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering.  He went on to earn a Master of Science in Aeronautical Engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology in 2007.  CDR Solfelt reported to NAS Pensacola for flight training in June 2007.  He earned his Naval Aviator Wings in October 2009 from VT 9 in Meridian, Mississippi.  In October 2009, CDR Solfelt reported to the VFA 106 “Gladiators” for initial fleet training in the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet.
 
CDR Solfelt began his operational flying in October 2010 with the “Sunliners” of VFA 81.  While a “Sunliner”, he made two deployments aboard USS CARL VINSON (CVN 70), participating Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.
In October 2014, CDR Solfelt reported to the Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN) for instruction in the Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor course.  In December 2014 he graduated TOPGUN as part of class 01-14 and was designated as an SFTI.  Following graduation, CDR Solfelt reported to VX 9 where he served as the Tactical Subject Matter Expert for Operational Test on the F/A-18C/D/E/F.

Following his Test and Evaluation tour, CDR Solfelt reported to the VFA 14 “Tophatters”.  As a Department Head with the “Tophatters”, CDR Solfelt completed one deployment aboard the USS JOHN C STENNIS (CVN 74), conducting missions over both Syria and Iraq in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE.

In December 2019 CDR Solfelt reported to NAS North Island, where he served as the VFA Readiness Officer for the Commander, Naval Air Forces.  He was selected for squadron command in March 2020 and reported to VFA 113 as Executive Officer in May 2022.

CDR Solfelt has accumulated over 2,200 flight hours and 400 carrier arrested landings.  His awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Strike/Flight Air Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (3 awards), Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and various service awards and ribbons.

 

Last Updated: 25 August 2022