A native of Carthage, Missouri, Captain Ales graduated from Pittsburg State University in 2002, earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. CAPT Ales was commissioned through Navy Officer Candidate School at NAS Pensacola, FL in April 2003 and reported to flight training in June 2003.  He earned his Naval Flight Officer Wings in October 2004. In December 2004, CAPT Ales reported to the VAQ 129 “Vikings” for initial fleet training as an EA-6B Electronic Countermeasures Officer.  

CAPT Ales began his operational flying in January 2006 with the “Rooks” of VAQ 137.  While a “Rook”, he made two deployments aboard USS ENTERPRISE (CVN 65), flying combat missions in Operation IRAQI FREEDOM and Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.  

Following his first fleet tour, CAPT Ales deployed to Afghanistan with Naval Special Warfare Development Group to support Operation ENDURING FREEDOM as Electronic Warfare Officer and Assistant Fires Support Officer from January to July 2009.

Captain Ales reported to the to the VAQ 129 “Vikings” as a Fleet Replacement Squadron Instructor in August 2009 and completed transition to the EA-18G Growler in May of 2010.  During this tour Captain Ales was selected as the LT David Dillon Inspirational Leadership Award recipient and was one of the Initial Cadre of Growler Tactics Instructors to complete the HAVOC Course in NAWDC.

In November 2012, Captain Ales returned to the fleet as Training Officer in VAQ-130, the “Zappers”.  While with the Zappers, he completed one deployment aboard USS HARRY S TRUMAN (CVN 75) flying combat missions in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. 

Captain Ales reported to VAQ-136, the “Gauntlets” in September 2014 for his Department Head tour.  While with the Gauntlets, he completed SOUTHERN SEAS deployment aboard USS GEORGE WASHINGTON and served as Safety, Operations, and Maintenance Officer.  During his tour with the Gauntlets, Captain Ales was one of the first EA-18G Aircrew to complete the NAWDC Air Wing Strike Lead Course and was designated a SEAD Mission Commander by Commander, Carrier Air Wing Two.

Following his Department Head tour, Captain Ales served as VAQ Aviation Assignments Officer, Navy Personnel Command.  While serving in NPC, he was responsible for the Career Management of all O-4 and junior Electronic Attack aircrew. 

In July 2019 he reported to VAQ-141 as Executive Officer and assumed Command in August 2020. He deployed three times with the SHADOWHAWKS onboard USS RONALD REAGAN in support of PACOM and CENTCOM objectives and VAQ-141 was awarded the “Battle E” for calendar year 2021 under his command.
 
CAPT Ales assumed Command of VAQ-129 in April 2022. During his time in Command of the EA-18G FRS the squadron has met all production requirements and was awarded the 2022 COMVAQWINGPAC Golden Wrench. Following Change of Command in May 2024, Captain Ales began PDCAG training and will report to CVW-17 in NAS Lemoore, CA as Deputy Commander, CVW-17 in July 2024. He is married to the lovely Tamara Ales and has one son Finnegan Ales. The whole Ales clan is excited about the next adventure in Lemoore, CA.

CAPT Ales has accumulated over 3,300 flight hours in EA-6B, EA-18G and other model aircraft, 693 carrier-arrested landings, and 92 combat missions. His awards include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Strike/Flight Air Medal (4), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (4), and Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2) and various unit, service, and campaign awards and ribbons.