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Commander Paul C. Ritter
Commanding Officer, Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 136
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Raised in Powder Springs, GA, CDR Paul “Disco” Ritter graduated Auburn University in 2005 with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Finance. He earned his designation of Naval Aviator in June 2008. CDR Ritter reported to VAQ-129 at NAS Whidbey Island for initial fleet training as an EA-6B Prowler Pilot.
Beginning operational flying in June of 2010 with the “Cougars” of Electronic Attack Squadron 139 (VAQ-139). He completed a deployment aboard USS RONALD REAGAN (CVN 76) with Carrier Air Wing FOURTEEN (CVW-14) in support of Operation Tomodachi, and combat operations NEW DAWN and ENDURING FREEDOM. Upon Completion of the deployment LCDR Ritter and VAQ-139 transitioned to the EA-18G Growler in 2012.
Reporting to the “Vikings” of VAQ-129 as Fleet Replenishment Squadron (FRS) Instructor he served until May of 2015 when he was selected for Growler Weapons Tactics Instructor Course (GTI) at Airborne Electronic Attack Weapons School (HAVOC), Class 02-15. He then reported to the “Shadowhawks” of VAQ-141 in Atsugi, Japan and aboard CVN 76 with Carrier Air Wing FIVE (CVW-5) in November 2015. As Training Officer and Chairman of the CVW-5 Standardization Board, he completed 3 WESTPAC patrols.
Reporting for his Department Head tour, CDR Ritter again checked into VAQ-139 in March of 2017. He completed two combat deployments aboard the USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN 71) and USS NIMITZ (CVN 68) with Carrier Air Wing SEVENTEEN (CVW-17), supporting Operations INHERENT RESOLVE and FREEDOM’S SENTINEL as a Strike Lead and SEAD Lead Mission Commander.
In January 2021, CDR Ritter checked into Naval Air Warfighting Development Center (NAWDC) in Fallon, NV, where he was as the Assistant Department Head (N10A) of HAVOC. In January 2023 he reported as Executive Officer to Electronic Attack Squadron 136 (VAQ-136) “Gauntlets”, where he now proudly serves as Commanding Officer.
CDR Ritter’s awards include Meritorious Service Medal, Strike/Flight Air Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (3 awards), Navy/Marine Corp Achievement Medal, and various personal and service awards. He has over 2,800 flight hours in the EA-6B and EA-18G with 585 carrier arrested landings.
CDR Ritter is married to Nicole Kimsey Ritter of Milton, GA. They have a daughter Emma (13) and a son Blake (8).
Last Updated: 27 December 2023
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