A native of Reno, Nevada, Commander Riley graduated from Oregon State University in 2005 earning a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. CDR Riley was commissioned through the NROTC and reported to flight training in August 2005. He earned his Naval Aviator Wings in December 2007. In January 2008, CDR Riley reported to the VFA-122 “Flying Eagles” for initial fleet training in the F/A-18 Super Hornet.

CDR Riley began his operational flying in January 2009 with the “Royal Maces” of VFA-27 in Atsugi, Japan.  While a “Mace”, he made six patrols aboard USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73), throughout the Seventh Fleet AOR. CDR Riley reported to VT-7 in Meridian, MS in February 2012. There he was the Carrier Qualification Phase Head and accumulated arrested landings on ten different aircraft carriers.

In May 2014, CDR Riley reported to team “Barbwire” of CVW-11 in Lemoore, CA for a tour as CAG Paddles. As a Department Head CDR Riley served in VFA-146, from May 2016 to November 2018 as Admin, Safety, Maintenance and Operations Officer. While a “Blue Diamond” he completed a deployment to the Western Pacific aboard USS NIMITZ (CVN 68) and conducted combat operations over Iraq and Syria in support of Operation INERHENT RESOLVE.

Following his Department Head tour, CDR Riley reported to the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island. He graduated with a Master of Art in Defense and Strategic Studies in November of 2019. CDR reported to VFA-115 as Executive Officer in December of 2020. In 2021 the “Eagles” conducted combat operations over Afghanistan in support of Operation FREEDOMS SENTINEL.

CDR Riley has accumulated over 2,000 flight hours and 500 carrier arrested landings. His awards include the Navy Commendation Medal (2 awards), and Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal (3 awards) and various service awards and ribbons.

Last Updated: 7 April 2022