A native of Ridgefield, Connecticut, Commander Christopher “Penguin” Case graduated from Purdue University in 2005, earning a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Technology Professional Flight. Commander Case reported to NAS Pensacola in February 2006 for Navy Officer Candidate School and subsequent flight training. He was designated a Naval Aviator in May 2008 and reported to the “Gladiators” of VFA-106 at NAS Oceana for initial fleet training in the FA-18E/F Super Hornet.

Commander Case’s operational assignments include tours with the “Gunslingers” of VFA-105, the “Blacklions” of VFA-213, and the “Eagles” of VFA-115 as part of the Forward Deployed Naval Forces Japan. He has completed deployments onboard USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN-75), USS RONALD REAGAN (CVN-76), and USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN-73) in support of Operations NEW DAWN (OND), ENDURING FREEDOM (OEF), and Western Pacific contingency operations. Most recently, Commander Case served as the 48th Commanding Officer of VFA-147, completing the Argonaut’s historic homeport change from NAS Lemoore to MCAS Iwakuni and CVW-5. 

His shore assignments include the United States Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN) as Instructor Pilot, Adversary Officer, and US Navy subject matter expert for Threat Air-to-Air Missiles. Additionally, Commander Case served as exchange pilot with the Raptor division of the 422d Test and Evaluation Squadron at Nellis Air Force Base. While attached to the “Green Bats” he served as F-22 Instructor Pilot, Operational Test Pilot, Weapons Officer, and Squadron Chief of Integration.
 
Commander Case has accumulated over 3,000 flight hours in multiple aircraft including the F/A-18A/B/C/D/E/F, F-16A/B, F-22A, and F-35C. His personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal (Two Awards), Air Medal (Two Strike/Flight Awards), Air Force Aerial Achievement Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (Three Awards), Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and various service awards and ribbons.
 
Commander Case reported to VFA-125 and assumed command of the Rough Raiders in June of 2025.