Commanding Officer
Cmdr. Andy "Mumbles" Talbott
A native of Sedan, Kansas, Cmdr. Andy Talbott graduated from the Kansas State University in Salina, Kansas, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Airway Science. Talbott was commissioned through Officer Candidate School in March 2006 and reported to Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, Florida for Aviation Pre-flight Indoctrination. He completed primary flight training in the T-6 Texan II at Vance Air Force Base, Enid, Oklahoma, and completed intermediate and advanced flight training in the T-45 Goshawk NAS Meridian, Mississippi, and earned his wings of gold in February 2008. Upon earning his wings, he remained at Training Squadron (VT) 7, the “Eagles,” at NAS Meridian as a Selectively Retained Graduate (SERGRAD) to instruct his fellow aviators. After a year as a SERGRAD, Talbott reported to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 106 “Gladiators” for initial fleet training in the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet.
Talbott began his operational flying in December 2009 with VFA-136, the “Knighthawks,” at NAS Oceana, where he served as Landing Signal Officer (LSO), Assistant Operations Officer, Avionics/Armament Division Officer, Schedules Officer, Line Division Officer, Public Affairs Officer, and Joint Mission Planning System Subject Matter Expert. While assigned to VFA-136, Talbott completed two Combat deployments aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65) in support of Operation New Dawn and Operation Enduring Freedom. Upon returning from deployment, Talbott attended Aviation Safety School in Pensacola, Florida and returned to VFA-106 as an instructor pilot, serving also as a LSO and the Squadron Aviation Safety Officer.
Talbott was selected to join the Blue Angels and reported in September 2014 as the Left wingman and Slot pilot. He served as the Weather, Publications and Transit Officer, Training Officer, and Safety Observer Airborne. While assigned to the Blue Angels he flew over 800 flights, performed over 150 airshows and participated in 60 speaking engagements.
After completing his Blue Angel tour, Talbott reported to VFA-86 the “Sidewinders,” at NAS Lemoore, California for his Department Head tour in January of 2017. While at the Sidewinders he served as the Administrative, Operations, and Maintenance Officer and deployed aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel. As a result of his efforts, Talbott was recognized as the “Lt. Cmdr. Michael G. Hoff Attack Aviator of the Year” for Commander Strike Fighter Wing Pacific.
At the completion of his tour with the Sidewinders, Talbott reported to North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM), Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado Springs, Colorado. While assigned to NORAD & USNORTHCOM, He served in the Crisis Action Center; and served as the Commanding Officer’s Speech writer and Strategic Engagement Planner.
Talbott has accumulated over 3200 flight-hours and has 475 Carrier arrested landings, including 47 combat missions. His awards include, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Strike Flight Air Medal (2 awards), Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals (4 awards), and various service and unit awards.