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Captain Jesse W. Hilliker

CAPT Jesse W. Hilliker is a native of Silver Creek, NY and graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1996 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics. He earned his wings of gold from VT-21 in NAS Kingsville, TX in 1998.

Following initial flight training in the F/A-18 with the VFA-125 "Rough Raiders", Captain Hilliker deployed twice during his first operational tour with the VFA-25 "Fist of the Fleet", supporting Operations SOUTHERN WATCH and ENDURING FREEDOM. He then reported to the Empire Test Pilot School in the United Kingdom where he completed test pilot training in 2003. In 2004 he reported to the VX-31 "Dust Devils" in China Lake, CA where he served as Super Hornet OFP H2/H3 project officer. He next served as Strike Operations Officer for Carrier Air Wing EIGHT in 2006 at NAS Oceana, VA. In 2007 Captain Hilliker reported to the VFA-87 "War Party" where he deployed in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Captain Hilliker reported to the VFA-83 "Rampagers" in 2012 where he served as Executive Officer and Commanding Officer until 2014, deploying twice in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. In 2014 he reported to Carrier Strike Group FOUR where he served as Strike Warfare Assessor and Operations Officer. He reported to VX-9 in August 2016 as the Chief Operational Test Director and assumed command in March 2018.
 
Captain Hilliker is a 2003 graduate of the Empire Test Pilot School in the United Kingdom. In 2006 he earned a Master of Science degree in Aviation Systems from the University of Tennessee Space Institute. Captain Hilliker graduated in 2010 from the Naval War College in Newport, RI with a Master of Arts degree in National Security and Strategic Studies.
 
Captain Hilliker's personal awards include the Strike Flight Air Medal and the Meritorious Service Medal. He has logged more than 3000 flight hours and 600 arrested landings in 33 different aircraft, including over 2700 flight hours in the F/A-18.

Last Updated: 21 January 2021

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