Captain Todd Zentner is a native of Mill Creek, Washington.  He is a 1998 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Ocean Engineering.  He was designated a Naval Aviator in 2000.  He holds a Masters of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island.

Zentner’s operational tours at Naval Air Station (NAS) Whidbey Island, Washington include Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 140, VAQ-135, and VAQ-133, where he served as the Executive and Commanding Officer.  He flew in Operations ENDURING FREEDOM and IRAQI FREEDOM while deployed on USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV 67), USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73), USS JOHN C. STENNIS (CVN 74) and USS NIMITZ (CVN 68).  During an additional sea tour, he served has the Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9 Landing Signals Officer (LSO) on USS JOHN C STENNIS.

Zentner also completed shore tours as an instructor pilot and LSO at VAQ-129, VAQ Detailer at PERS-43, and EA-18G GROWLER Requirements Officer attached to the Director of Air Warfare, OPNAV N-98.

 Zentner has logged over 2,900 flight hours in the EA-6B, EA-18G, F-35, FA-18E/F, T-45, T-34, and various other aircraft and accumulated over 650 carrier-arrested landings.

 His personal decorations include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Strike Flight Air Medal (2 awards), Individual Action Air Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (4 awards), and various other personal and unit awards.  Captain Zentner has also been awarded the Daedalian award, and CNAF Pilot of the Year, for superior performance during an aircraft emergency while serving as an instructor pilot at VAQ-129.

 Captain Zentner’s service is made possible by his beautiful wife Esen and their three children Owen, Madelyn, and Tyson.

Last Updated: 20 May 2022