CDR Mollenhauer is a native of Virginia Beach, Virginia.  He attended the Virginia Military Institute where he graduated with a Bachelors of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering and received his commission as a Naval Officer.  Following commissioning he reported to NAS Pensacola for Naval Flight Officer (NFO) training in VT-4 and VT-86.  He received his NFO wings in August 2001.  He reported to the EA-6B Fleet Replacement Squadron, VAQ-129, qualified as an EA-6B Electronics Countermeasures Officer (ECMO) and was assigned to the Black Ravens of VAQ-135.

During his tour with the Black Ravens he deployed twice with CVW-11, on board the USS NIMITZ (CVN 68), as they supported combat operations during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM.  While at VAQ-135 he graduated from the Prowler Tactics Instructor course and served as the Black Raven Training Officer.

Starting in November 2005, CDR Mollenhauer began the NFO to pilot transition as a student with VT-6 in Milton, Florida and VT-22 in Kingsville, Texas.  After winging he reported back to VAQ-129 in Whidbey Island, Washington where he qualified as an EA-6B pilot.

In June 2008 CDR Mollenhauer reported to VAQ-130, Zappers, and deployed with CVW-3 on board USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN 75) in support of Operations ENDURING FREEDOM and NEW DAWN.  While with VAQ-130 he received the Zapper Junior Officer Leadership award.

CDR Mollenhauer reported to VAQ-136, forward deployed to NAF Atsugi, Japan for his Department Head tour.  During his tour with VAQ-136 CDR Mollenhauer deployed twice with CVW-5, on board USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73).  During his Gauntlet tour, VAQ-136 returned to NAS Whidbey Island, Washington after 32 years of forward deployed operations, and transitioned from the EA-6B Prowler to the EA-18G Growler.

Following is Department Head tour, CDR Mollenhauer graduated from the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, RI before reporting to USSOCOM in Tampa, FL where he served as a Deliberate Plans staff officer in the Plans, Policy, and Strategy (J-51) branch.

CDR Mollenhauer has logged more than 2,000 tactical jet hours and over 300 arrested landings.  His decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal (3), Navy/Marine Commendation Medal (2), Navy/Marine Achievement Medal (3), Joint Service Achievement Medal, and various unit and campaign awards.

Last Updated: 16 February 2021