A native of Shavertown, Pennsylvania, Captain Douglas “Pitch” Oldham graduated from the United States Merchant Marine Academy in 2001, earning a Bachelor of Science in Maritime Operations and Technology. He reported to NAS Pensacola, FL for initial flight training in November 2001 and was designated a Naval Aviator in December of 2003 in Meridian, MS. He then joined VFA-125 at NAS Lemoore for initial training in the F/A-18C.

CAPT Oldham began his operational flying in November 2004 with the Gunslingers of VFA-105. While a Gunslinger, he made two combat deployments aboard USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN 75), in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM and executed an aircraft transition from the F/A-18C to the F/A-18E. After his junior officer tour, he graduated from the U.S. Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN) in July of 2008 enroute to Strike Fighter Weapons School, Atlantic where he served as a Strike Fighter Weapons and Tactics Instructor.

In January 2011, CAPT Oldham became the training officer with the Tomcatters of VFA-31 where he deployed on the USS GEORGE H.W. BUSH (CVN-77) supporting Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. 

In October of 2012, Captain Oldham reported to the Dragons of VFA-192 where he served as a Department Head. He deployed aboard the USS JOHN C. STENNIS (CVN-74) in support of Operation NEW DAWN and Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. CAPT Oldham served as both Operations Officer and Maintenance Officer as the Dragons transitioned from the F/A-18C to the F/A-18E. He then earned a Masters of Arts in Defense and Strategic Studies in September 2016 from the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island.

In May of 2018, he joined the Golden Dragons of Strike Fighter Squadron One Nine Two (VFA-192) as the Executive Officer and took command in December of 2019. After completing a squadron transition to high lot Super Hornets, he led the squadron through work ups in preparation for deployment aboard USS CARL VINSON (CVN 70). Post squadron command, he was assigned to Navy Personnel Command from May 2021 to June 2022, where he served as the Commander TACAIR Detailer (PERS-431) and Head Aviation Detailer (PERS-432). Captain Oldham selected for Bonus Command and was slated to be the Commanding Officer of the Rough Raiders of VFA-125. He checked in to VFA-125 in July of 2022 for F-35C transition training and then assumed command of the squadron in February of 2023.

CAPT Oldham has accumulated over 3,700 flight hours, 622 carrier arrested landings, and 96 combat missions. His awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (2 awards), Strike/Flight Air Medal (4 awards), Navy Commendation Medal (3 awards), Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2 awards) and various unit, service, and campaign awards.

Last Updated: 12 March 2025