A native of Tacoma, Washington, Commander Burns graduated from the University of San Diego in 2006 with a Bachelor of Arts and Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering. In December 2006 he was commissioned from the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps and reported to NAS Pensacola for flight training. He completed flight training with VT-28 and VT-22, earning his Naval Aviator wings in March 2009. CDR Burns completed initial fleet training in the F/A-18E/F with VFA-122 at NAS Lemoore, CA.
CDR Burns joined the “Kestrels” of VFA-137 in March 2010. He made two deployments aboard USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN to the CENTCOM area of responsibility supporting both Operations ENDURING FREEDOM and NEW DAWN.
In March 2013, CDR Burns reported to VX-9 at NAWS China Lake, CA. During his time with the “Vampires,” he served as an Operational Test Director and Safety Department Head while flying the F/A-18E/F. In June 2014 he completed the Navy Fighter Weapons School Adversary course. In June 2016 he reported to SEAL Team THREE where he served as Current Operations Officer and Fires Officer before being selected for the Fleet Scholar Education Program. In August 2018, CDR Burns completed his Master of Arts in International Relations from the University of San Diego.
CDR Burns joined the “Vigilantes” of VFA-151 as a Department Head in April 2019. He served as the Safety Officer, Maintenance Officer, and Operations Officer while preparing the squadron through workups for a WESTPAC deployment aboard USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN. Following his Department Head tour, CDR Burns reported to Cruise Missile Support Activity Atlantic in November 2021, where he served as Deputy Director of Operations, supporting contingency operations in the EUCOM and CENTCOM areas of responsibility. In March 2023, CDR Burns completed the Joint Combined Warfighting School at the Joint Forces Staff College.
CDR Burns has accumulated over 2,300 flight hours and over 360 carrier arrested landings. His personal awards are a testament to the dedication and teamwork of his colleagues throughout his career.
 

Last Updated: 14 August 2024