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Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 195 “Dambusters”

Commander Justin Reddick

Commanding Officer, Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 195

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VIRIN: 240814-N-CO000-0000
A native of Chattanooga, Tennessee, Commander Reddick enlisted in the U.S. Navy in September of 1998. Following his completion of basic training and Aviation Electronics Technician “A” school, he reported to the HSL-51 “Warlords” at NAF Atsugi, Japan. While stationed in Japan, he was accepted into the Broadened Opportunity for Officer Selection and Training (BOOST) program and ultimately the Seaman-to-Admiral 21 (STA-21) program. Commander Reddick graduated from the University of New Mexico, earning a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and his commission through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps as part of the greater STA-21 program. He then reported to NAS Pensacola, FL for flight training in September 2005. He earned his Naval Aviator Wings in September 2007. In October 2007, CDR Reddick reported to the VFA 125 “Rough Raiders” for initial fleet training as an F/A-18C Pilot.
CDR Reddick began his operational flying in October 2008 with the “Vigilantes” of VFA-151. While a “Vigilante”, he made one deployment aboard USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN 72), participating in Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, and Operation NEW DAWN. During this tour, CDR Reddick received orders as an Airwing STRIKE instructor with the Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center (NSAWC) at NAS Fallon, NV where he reported in September 2011.
While stationed at STRIKE, CDR Reddick was selected to attend the Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN) Adversary course and graduated in September 2012. In October 2012, he was selected as the Airwing Maritime Employment Subject Matter Expert and performed numerous duties in this capacity, which included reviving the lost art of Airborne Maritime Mining. In June 2014, he reported to CARRIER STRIKE GROUP FIFTEEN (CSG-15) as the training officer and Maritime Strike syndicate lead. While at CSG-15 he developed complex scenarios, which were designed to focus the Strike Group certification process on a peer-level adversary. Upon completion of his tour at CSG-15, he was selected to attend the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College (CGSC) in Fort Leavenworth, KS. In June 2017, he graduated from CGSC and was awarded a master’s degree in strategic studies.
CDR Reddick returned to the fleet in September 2017 as a Department Head with the VFA-195 “DAMBUSTERS.” While with the DAMBUSTERS, he completed three deployments aboard USS RONALD REAGAN (CVN 76) in support of South China Sea operations and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Freedom of Navigation operations. As a department head, he served as Safety, Administration, Maintenance, and Operations Officer.
Following his department head tour, CDR Reddick served as Nuclear Strike Advisor to the President in support of the Joint Staff, J-36 Directorate for Nuclear and Homeland Defense Operations. In March of 2021, he was selected for squadron command, and reported to VFA-195 as XO in May 2023.
CDR Reddick has accumulated over 2,500 flight hours in F/A-18 A-F and F-16A/B aircraft and 450 carrier arrested landings, including 25 combat missions. His awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Strike/Flight Air Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (3 awards), and Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal (3 awards) and various service awards and ribbons.
 

Leaders

Commander Justin Reddick

Commanding Officer, Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 195

Commander Joseph Burns

Executive Officer, Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 195

Command Master Chief Manuel Valle

Command Master Chief, Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 195


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