A native of Fort Worth, TX, Commander Calvin Stark graduated from Texas A&M University in 2008, earning a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies. CDR Stark was commissioned through Officer Candidate School in Newport, RI and reported to NAS Pensacola, FL for flight training in June 2009. He earned his Wings of Gold in February 2012 at NAS Kingsville, TX. In March 2012, CDR Stark reported to the “Flying Eagles” of VFA-122 for initial fleet training as an F/A-18E/F pilot. 
 
CDR Stark began his operational flying in January 2013 with the “Black Knights” of VFA-154.  He made one deployment aboard USS NIMITZ (CVN 68) from April – December 2013, participating in Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.  While a “Black Knight”, CDR Stark successfully completed the Forward Air Controller (Airborne) syllabus.  CDR Stark reported to the “Gladiators” of VFA-106 at NAS Oceana in Virginia Beach, VA as an Instructor Pilot. From June 2016 to January 2019, CDR Stark served as the Mission Planning Officer and Strike Phase Head, qualified in the F/A-18A-D Hornet and E-F Super Hornet as well as the T-34C Turbo Mentor. CDR Stark then reported to Carrier Air Wing ONE (CVW-1), serving as a CVW Staff member from January 2019 – September 2020, making one deployment onboard the USS HARRY S TRUMAN (CVN 75) from November 2019 – June 2020.  CDR Stark returned to NAS Lemoore, CA and the fleet as a Department Head in the “Bounty Hunters” of VFA-2.  While with the Bullets, he completed one deployment aboard USS CARL VINSON (CVN 70) supporting freedom of navigation operations (FONOPs) in the South China Sea from June 2021 – February 2022. He served as the Safety, Admin, Maintenance, and Operations Officer.  Following his department head tour, CDR Stark was selected to join the Aviation Officer Detailing Division (PERS-43) of Naval Personnel Command at NSA Midsouth in Millington, TN. From June 2023 – March 2025, he served as the VFA Placement Officer for all East Coast and FDNF-J squadrons, as well as all Oceana-based CVWs and CVW-5, VFA-106, the Landing Signal Officer School, and the Naval Flight Demonstration Team.

CDR Stark has accumulated over 2,400 flight hours in 5 aircraft and 450 carrier arrested landings, including 13 combat missions. His awards include the Navy Commendation Medal (4 awards), the Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and various service awards and ribbons.