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.
 
CDR Ritter began his operational flying in June of 2010 with the “Cougars” of Electronic Attack Squadron 139 (VAQ-139).  He deployed 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 while also serving as a Landing Signal Officer (LSO).  Upon Completion CDR Ritter transitioned to the EA-18G Growler in 2012.
 
In September 2013, CDR Ritter reported to the “Vikings” of VAQ-129 as Fleet Replenishment Squadron (FRS) Instructor where he served as LSO, Instructor Under Training Coordinator, Assistant Fighter Phase Head, and Night Vision Devices Program Manager.  In May of 2015 he reported for Growler Tactics Instructor Course (GTI) at Airborne Electronic Attack Weapons School (HAVOC), Class 02-15.
 
Graduating GTI, CDR Ritter reported to the “Shadowhawks” of VAQ-141 in Atsugi, Japan 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 next squadron tour, CDR Ritter again checked into the “Cougars” of VAQ-139 as a Department Head 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.  He served as the Safety, Administrative, Maintenance, and Operations Officer.
 
In January 2021, CDR Ritter checked into Naval Air Warfighting Development Center (NAWDC) in Fallon, NV.  Serving as the Assistant Department Head at HAVOC until July 2022. CDR Ritter is the Prospective Executive Officer (PXO) of VAQ-136.
 
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 2,400 flight hours in the EA-6B and EA-18G with 536 carrier arrested landings.   CDR Ritter is married to Nicole Kimsey Ritter of Milton, GA. They have a daughter Emma (12) and a son Blake (7).
 

Last Updated: 6 September 2023