Commander Vantrease is a native of West Frankfort, Illinois and a 2007 graduate of the United States Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering, with merit.  Following graduation and commissioning, he reported to the Air Force Institute of Technology, earning a Master of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering.  In 2008, he reported to NAS Pensacola, Florida, for Aviation Preflight Training.  He was designated a Naval Aviator in November 2010 following Primary Flight Training in the T-34C at VT-3 at NAS Whiting Field, Florida and Intermediate and Advanced jet training in the T-45A/C at VT-21 at NAS Kingsville, Texas.  Commander Vantrease then reported to VFA-122 at NAS Lemoore, California for initial training in the F/A-18 Super Hornet.

Commander Vantrease’s first operational assignment was with VFA-41, stationed at NAS Lemoore.  During his tour with the “Black Aces,” he flew the F/A-18F and deployed aboard USS JOHN C. STENNIS (CVN 74) in 2012-2013 in Support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. 

Following his first sea tour, Commander Vantrease reported to VX-9 at NAWS China Lake, California, flying the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler.  During his tour with the “Vampires,” he serves as the F/A-18 Electronic Warfare Deputy Branch Head and Integrated Defensive Electronic Countermeasures (IDECM) Operational Test Director.  While at VX-9, he conducted operational testing on F/A-18C-F IDECM Block IV hardware and software, three F/A-18 software configuration sets (SCS), JSOW C-1, F/A-18 Infrared Search and Track (IRST), and other associated software and weapons.

Following carrier qualification refresher training at VFA-122, Commander Vantrease returned to NAS Lemoore and reported to VFA-192 as a department head, flying the F/A-18E.  While with the “World Famous Golden Dragons,” he completed two deployments aboard USS CARL VINSON (CVN 70), serving as Operations Officer, Maintenance Officer, and Safety Officer.  While assigned to the Dragons, he was selected as the recipient of the 2018 Navy and Marine Corps Association Peer Leadership Award.

In 2020, Commander Vantrease reported to VFA-125 for transition to the F-35C Lightning II.  While assigned to the “Rough Raiders,” he served as FRS Operations Officer and Safety Officer.  He assumed the role of Executive Officer in October 2022.  He screened for squadron command and is slated to report as VFA-94 Executive Officer in May 2024.

Commander Vantrease has accumulated over 1,900 flight hours in five aircraft, 241 carrier arrested landings, and 9 combat missions.  His awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (2 awards), Navy Achievement Medal, and other unit, service, and campaign awards.
 

Last Updated: 8 February 2023