Commander Richard R. Delk Executive Officer, Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 144 More Details 240610-N-UM741-1002.PNG 240610-N-UM741-1002.PNG SHARE IMAGE: Download Image Image Details Photo By: 240610-N-UM741-1002.PNG VIRIN: 240610-N-UM741-1002 Commander Delk is a native of Las Vegas, NV and graduated from the University of Nevada in 2007 where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. Upon graduating, he completed Officer Candidate School and reported to NAS Pensacola, FL for flight training in December 2007. He earned his Naval Flight Officer Wings in July 2009. CDR Delk subsequently reported to the “Vikings” of VAQ-129 for initial fleet training as an EA-18G Electronic Warfare Officer. CDR Delk’s first operational tour began in July 2010 with the “Shadowhawks” of VAQ-141. He completed a combat deployment aboard USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) where he participated in Operations NEW DAWN and ENDURING FREEDOM. Upon completing VAQ-141’s home port change to Japan, CDR Delk completed three cruises aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73) in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility. After detaching from VAQ-141, he received stateside orders to the Airborne Electronic Attack Weapons School (HAVOC) and graduated in December 2013. CDR Delk served as a Fleet Tactics Instructor at the Electronic Attack Weapons School (EAWS) from January 2014 until February 2016. He additionally earned his first postgraduate degree, a Master of Science in Systems Engineering, from the Naval Postgraduate School in March 2016. CDR Delk returned to the Fleet with the “Garudas” of VAQ-134 as the Training Officer, where he completed an expeditionary deployment in support of Commander Task Force 70 (CTF-70). He was awarded Growler Tactics Instructor of the Year in September 2017. Upon his departure from the “Garudas,” CDR Delk attended the Naval War College in Newport, RI where he earned his second postgraduate degree, a Master of Arts in Defense and Strategic Studies, in March 2019. After leaving the Naval War College, CDR Delk reported to the “Gauntlets” of VAQ-136 as a Department Head and served as the Safety Officer, Operations Officer, and Maintenance Officer from May 2019 until July 2021. During his next tour, CDR Delk served as an Action Officer with United States Strategic Command, J-8 Directorate, in Omaha, NE. He was selected for squadron command in March 2023 and reported as the Executive Officer of VAQ-144 “Main Battery” in June 2024. CDR Delk’s personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (three awards), and Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two awards). CDR Delk is supported by his incredible wife of 16 years, Emily, and their two children, Grant, and Elina.