CAPT Michael Simpson is from Louisville, CO. He commissioned via the United States Naval Academy Class of 2002.  He graduated with honors in Computer Science and attended flight school at NAS Pensacola, NAS Corpus Christi, and NAS Meridian, earning his “Wings of Gold” in December of 2004. 
    
After his winging, CAPT Simpson joined the “Vikings” of VAQ-129 for EA-6B training. In January of 2006, CAPT Simpson joined the “Yellow Jackets” of VAQ-138.  Over the next 38 months (“Rampage”), he deployed twice on USS JOHN C. STENNIS (CVN 74) in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM and Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.  

In 2009, he joined VAQ-129 for instructor duty and transition to the EA-18G. In March 2011, CAPT Simpson augmented VAQ-132 in support of Operation NEW DAWN, demonstrating the capabilities of the EA-18G platform in combat over Libya. His tour at VAQ-129 culminated in his selection as the 2011 EA-18G Instructor Pilot of the Year. 

In December 2011, CAPT Simpson joined Carrier Air Wing THREE as Carrier Air Wing Landing Signals Officer, executing an accelerated work-up cycle in preparation of a nine-month deployment embarked on USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN 75).  

In March 2013, CAPT Simpson joined VAQ-130 “Zappers” and served as the Safety Officer, Administrative Officer, Operations Officer, and completed his Department Head tour as the Maintenance Officer. During his tenure, he earned the Strike Lead Qualification and deployed aboard the USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN 75) in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, marking their first deployment with the Growler.  

In November of 2015, CAPT Simpson reported to Naval Personnel Command as the Electronic Attack Placement Officer.  While on staff in Millington, he completed his MBA at Washington State University, selected for VAQ command, and picked for Secretary of the Navy Tours With Industry (SNWTI) program fellowship at Microsoft.

From July 2019 to May 2022, CAPT Simpson served as the Executive Officer and Commanding Officer of VAQ-138, executing two seven-month deployments to the PACOM AOR.  VAQ-138 partnered with military forces from 16 countries through deployments and military exercises on five continents – including leading large-force strikes and naval exercises in the Pacific with elements from Japan, South Korea, India and Australia.  

From September 2022 to October 2023, CAPT Simpson served as the AIR BOSS on the USS GERALD R. FORD (CVN-78).  During this period his Air Department team executed the inaugural FORD Class workup cycle, refining advanced technologies, creating the first FORD Class CV NATOPS and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), culminating in the coveted first ever FORD Class Blue Water Certification and inaugural eight-month deployment to EUCOM AOR. 

CAPT Simpson assumed command of the VAQ-129 “Vikings” on 02 May 2024. 

CAPT Simpson has accumulated over 2800 mishap-free flight hours, 438 carrier arrested landings and earned two Meritorious Service Medals, two Air Medals, four Navy Commendation Medals, two Navy Achievement Medals and various other personal and unit awards.

 

Last Updated: 3 September 2024