Commanding Officer
Cmdr. Terrell W. Radford

A native of Mineral Wells, Texas, Cmdr. Terrell W. Radford graduated from the University of New Mexico in 2006 with a Bachelor of Science in Physics, and from the Naval Postgraduate School in 2014 with a Masters in Acoustic Engineering. He was designated as naval flight officer (NFO) in October of 2007 and completed fleet replacement training with VP-30 in May of 2008.

Radford’s operational tours include with the Patrol and Reconnaissance Squadron (VP) 16 “War Eagles” at Jacksonville, Florida where he served as NFO training officer;U.S. 7th Fleet staff embarked on the USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) in Yokosuka, Japan as fleet security cooperation officer in charge of Southeast Asian Plans and Policy; and the VP-46 “Grey Knights” in Whidbey Island, Washington for his department head tour where he served as the maintenance officer.

Radford has completed deployments to the 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th Fleets in support of Operations Inherent Resolve and Restoring Hope. His shore assignments include a tour with VP-30 as a P-3C fleet replacement squadron instructor, NFO, and a tour with the Joint Staff at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia where he served as the executive assistant for the Deputy Director for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Operations (J-32). 

Radford returned to Jacksonville and completed the transition from the P-3C “Orion” to the P-8A “Poseidon” in February of 2022. In April 2022, Radford reported to the VP-16 “War Eagles” and as the prospective executive officer. In May 2023, Radford assumed the duties as the 69th commanding officer of VP-16.

Personal decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Joint Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (3), and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2) in addition to various personal and unit awards.