A native of Kingwood, Texas, Commander Spence graduated from Texas A&M University in May 2008, earning a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering.  CDR Spence was commissioned through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps as part of the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets and reported to NAS Pensacola for flight training in July 2008.  He earned his wings of gold as a Naval Flight Officer in August 2010.  CDR Spence then reported to VAQ-129 at NAS Whidbey Island for initial fleet training as an EA-18G Growler Electronic Warfare Officer.
 
CDR Spence began his operational flying in November 2011 with the “Zappers” of VAQ-130.  He made numerous workups aboard USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN-75) with Carrier Air Wing THREE, deploying to SIXTH and FIFTH Fleets in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM and marking the air wing’s first cruise with the Growler.  CDR Spence flew 26 combat missions while serving as Assistant Operations Officer and later Avionics/Armament Division Officer, a particular highlight of his tour.
 
CDR Spence then reported to the “Vikings” of VAQ-129 for instructor duty in December 2014.  He became a fully qualified FRS instructor, eventually serving as Personnel Officer and Airborne Electronic Attack (AEA) Phase Head.  He spearheaded the largest Growler AEA Phase syllabus update since its inception, leading to his selection as the 2017 FRS Instructor EWO of the Year.  CDR Spence applied to the HAVOC Growler Tactics Instructor (GTI) course, class 02-17, for advanced weapons and tactics training and follow-on detailing as a squadron Training Officer.
 
CDR Spence returned to the fleet in August 2017 as Training Officer for the “Patriots” of VAQ-140.  He instructed the ready room throughout integrated workups with Carrier Air Wing SEVEN aboard USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72) and prepared them for an impending deployment in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE.
 
CDR Spence was screened for Department Head and began expeditionary duty with the “Scorpions” of VAQ-132 in December 2018.  While a Department Head, CDR Spence served as Safety Officer, Administration Officer, and Maintenance Officer, completing a USINDOPACOM deployment to Misawa Air Base, Japan with multiple detachments to South Korea, Guam, and Okinawa.
 
CDR Spence transferred to NAVAIR in Patuxent River, Maryland in January 2021.  At PMA-234, Airborne Electronic Attack Systems Program Office, he served as Deputy Program Manager for AEA Integration where he primarily coordinated Growler platform integration efforts for the ALQ-249 Next Generation Jammer Mid Band and future NGJ Low Band pods.  He was selected for command in March 2023 and reported to Electronic Attack Weapons School as Executive Officer in October 2024.
 
CDR Spence has accumulated over 1,800 flight hours in the EA-18G and various naval training aircraft.  His awards include the Air Medal (Strike/Flight), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (4 awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and various service awards and ribbons.  He is proudly supported by his loving wife, Kelli, and three amazing daughters, Shelby, Charlotte, and Shiloh.
 

Last Updated: 7 April 2025