COMMANDER TIMOTHY D. TIPPETT,
USN
Commander Tippett, a native of Tullahoma, Tennessee, graduated with merit from the United States Naval Academy in 1995 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. After completing flight training in Meridian, Mississippi, he was designated a Naval Aviator in July of 1997 and reported to Jacksonville, Florida for fleet replacement training in the F/A-18C Hornet.
He joined the “Ragin’ Bulls” of VFA-37 in September 1998 where he served as the Aircraft Division Officer, Schedules Officer, and Air-to-Air Training Officer. During his tour, he completed two Mediterranean and Arabian Sea deployments onboard USS ENTERPRISE and USS HARRY S. TRUMAN, flying combat missions over Iraq during Operations DESERT FOX and SOUTHERN WATCH.
In September 2001, CDR Tippett reported to the VFA-106 “Gladiators” for instructor duty in the F/A-18 A-D aircraft. He served as the Flight Officer, Strike Phase Head, and Strike Fighter Wing Atlantic F/A-18 Demonstration Pilot until his departure in March 2004.
CDR Tippett next reported to the USS ENTERPRISE for duty as the Assistant Navigator, deploying to the North Sea and Eastern Atlantic in summer 2004. During his tour, he qualified as Officer of the Deck and Command Duty Officer Underway. In January 2006, he was named the Commander, Naval Air Forces, U.S. Atlantic Fleet Junior Officer Shiphandler of the Year for 2005.
After transitioning to the F/A-18E Super Hornet, CDR Tippett was assigned to the “Tophatters” of VFA-14 as a Department Head in April 2006. There he served as the squadron Safety Officer, Maintenance Officer, and Operations Officer. Embarked onboard USS NIMITZ, VFA-14 made two Western Pacific and Arabian Gulf deployments in support of Operations IRAQI FREEDOM and ENDURING FREEDOM.
In December 2008, CDR Tippett reported to the National Reconnaissance Office in Chantilly, Virginia where he served as the U.S. Navy Service Team Chief and Deputy Military Division Chief.
CDR Tippett had served as the Executive Officer of VFA-131 since May 2011 before assuming command of the “Wildcats” in August 2012.
He has accumulated over 2,600 flight hours and 600 carrier landings. His personal decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Strike/Flight Air Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (three awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (three awards, one with Combat “V”) and various campaign and service awards.