A native of Redlands, California, Captain (CAPT) Ben Cooper graduated from Officer Candidate School in June 2002 and subsequently earned his Wings of Gold in February 2004.

CAPT Cooper served as Commanding Officer for the Zappers of VAQ-130. His other EA-18G operational tours included VAQ-135 (Training Officer) and VAQ-139 (Department Head). His lone tour flying the EA-6B Prowler occurred while serving his Junior Officer tour with the infamous Rooks of VAQ-137. During these operational tours, CAPT Cooper deployed aboard the USS ENTERPRISE (CVN 65) for two deployments, USS CARL VINSON (CVN 70) for one deployment, and the USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN 69) for two deployments. Additionally, he spent one deployment forward based at Bagram AB, Afghanistan. During these tours, CAPT Cooper helped to support Operations IRAQI FREEDOM, ENDURING FREEDOM, INHERENT RESOLVE, AND FREEDOM’S SENTINEL. Under CAPT Cooper’s Command, VAQ-130 was awarded 2021 COMVAQWINGPAC Tactical Squadron of the Year.

CAPT Cooper’s shore tour assignments included instructor duty with both the VFA-106 Gladiators and VAQ-129 Vikings. His staff assignments were both with US Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) in Omaha, NE, first as an Action Officer, working specific manned/unmanned teaming integration and requirements for DoD, while in his second tour being assigned first as Commander, Joint Electromagnetic Spectrum Cell (JEMSOC) in the J3 and then Executive to the Commander, General Anthony Cotton. After his second tour with USSTRATCOM, CAPT Cooper was assigned Team Chief, Operational Team ONE at the National Airborne Operations Center (NAOC). He reported to Commander, Electronic Attack Wing U.S. Pacific Fleet, August 2025.

Throughout his career, CAPT Cooper has worked alongside and with the Navy’s finest sailors, resulting in numerous personal awards and recognitions including: VAQ-137 Junior Officer Leadership Award; 2012 FRS Instructor of the Year; 2013 Growler Tactics Instructor of the Year; and the 2016 Commander, Naval Air Forces Leadership Award.

CAPT Cooper has accumulated over 3,500 flight hours and 650 carrier arrested landings in the EA-6B, F/A-18F, and EA-18G. His decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Individual Action Air Medal (One), Air Medal Strike/Flight (Six), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (Three), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (Three), and numerous unit, service, and campaign awards.

CAPT Cooper is married to the always stunning Kristen, and is a proud father to triplet 15-year-olds: Jackson, Chloe, and Lucas.

Last Updated: 4 August 2025