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Commander Jeff “Gazer” Pinkerton
Commanding Officer, Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 135
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A native of Brockport, New York Commander Pinkerton enlisted in the Navy in January 2000, graduating as the Honor Recruit out of a graduating class of 1,200 Sailors from Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes. He subsequently reported for training at Naval Nuclear Power Training Command ultimately attaining the rank of Electrician’s Mate Third Class and accepting an appointment to the United States Naval Academy while in Nuclear Power School.
CDR Pinkerton graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2005, earning a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology and reported to NAS Pensacola, FL for flight training. He was designated a Naval Aviator in February 2008 and reported to the VAQ-129 “Vikings” for initial fleet training as an EA-6B Pilot.
CDR Pinkerton began his operational flying with the “Patriots” of VAQ-140. While a “Patriot”, he made three deployments aboard USS DWIGHT D EISENHOWER (CVN 69), participating in Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. CDR Pinkerton and the “Patriots” also directly supported Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR in an expeditionary role operating from Aviano Air Base, Italy, a unique role for an Electronic Attack squadron.
CDR Pinkerton reported back to VAQ-129 “Vikings” for transition to the EA-18G Growler. Upon completion of his training CDR Pinkerton immediately assumed Instructor Aircrew duties holding the positions of Transition Phase Head, Assistant Carrier Qualification Phase Head, and Special Syllabus Coordinator. It was during this tour that CDR Pinkerton successfully screened and was selected for Operational Department Head.
CDR Pinkerton returned to the fleet as a Department Head in the “Yellow Jackets” of VAQ-138. While with Team Rampage, he deployed to the USINDOPACOM Area of Responsibility operating out of bases in Japan, Korea, Guam, and the Philippines. CDR Pinkerton served as the Tactics, Administrative, and Maintenance Officer.
Following his department head tour, CDR Pinkerton was selected to attend the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA. While there he was selected for a prestigious Internship with Industry and spent a week with Collins Aerospace. CDR Pinkerton earned his Masters of Business Administration in Defense Acquisition Management and, along with his co-author, was selected for the Outstanding Thesis Award by a selection committee comprised of faculty and staff.
Following commencement at Naval Postgraduate School CDR Pinkerton reported to Commander, Electronic Attack Wing, U. S. Pacific Fleet as a key staff member. As the Safety Officer for the EA-18G Wing, CDR Pinkerton and his team made far-reaching impacts to the Naval Aviation Enterprise. He was invited to be a key note presenter at the inaugural CNAF Safety Summit and his safety team’s mold-breaking initiatives have been briefed at the highest levels of the NAE.
While on CVWP Staff CDR Pinkerton was selected as the annual recipient of the Vice Admiral John Perry Electronic Attack Excellence Award.
CDR Pinkerton has accumulated over 2600 flight hours, 450 of which have been combat hours in direct support of US, Allied, and Coalition Forces, and performed nearly 300 arrested landings. His awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Strike/Flight Air Medal (3 awards), Navy Commendation Medal (2 awards), Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2 awards), and various other service awards and ribbons. He is married to the amazing former Jane Poore of Baltimore, MD and they have an equally amazing son, Dean.
CDR Pinkerton was selected for Operational Squadron Command in March 2018 and is scheduled to report to The World Famous Black Ravens of VAQ-135 as Executive Officer.
Last Updated: 7 August 2024
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