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DCAG
Capt. David Dartez


A native of King William, Virginia, Capt. David Dartez graduated from Virginia Tech in 2001, earning two Bachelor of Science degrees in Aerospace and Ocean Engineering, as well as a minor in Leadership Studies through the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets. He was commissioned through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps program and reported to Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida, for flight training in June 2001. He earned his “Wings of Gold” in January 2004.

In February 2004, Dartez reported to the “Rough Raiders” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 125 for initial fleet training as a F/A-18 Hornet aviator. He began his operational flying in January 2005 with the “Sidewinders” of VFA-86 stationed in Beaufort, South Carolina. While a “Sidewinder,” he made two deployments aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65), participating in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, and was recognized as the squadron’s pilot of the year.

Dartez reported back to VFA-125 in Lemoore, California, in March 2008. While a “Rough Raider,” Dartez instructed every phase of strike fighter training and performed in air shows for the F/A-18C Tactical Demonstration Team, and also served as the F/A-18 A-D Hornet Naval Air Training Operating Procedures Standardization Model Manager.

Dartez returned operationally to the fleet as Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 staff landing signal officer in October 2010 stationed in Virginia Beach, Virginia. He made two deployments aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), participating in Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation New Dawn, where he was selected as the 2011 Commander “Bug” Roach Landing Signal Officer of the Year.

Dartez reported to the “Rampagers” of VFA-83 for his department head tour in January 2013. As a “Rampager” he completed one deployment aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Following his department head tour, Dartez reported to Newport, Rhode Island, for the United States Naval War College in November 2015 where he earned a Master of Arts in Defense and Strategic Studies in November 2016.

Reporting back to Lemoore, California, he joined the “Fist of the Fleet”of VFA-25 as the executive officer in August 2017 flying F/A-18E Super Hornets. After leading the “Fist of the Fleet” through work-ups attached to CVW-7 embarked on the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), he took command in January 2019. As commanding officer, he led the squadron through a record breaking ten-month, around the world combat deployment supporting Fifth Fleet operations including Operation Freedom’s Sentinel and Operation Inherent Resolve.

After command, Dartez reported to the Office of the Secretary of Defense in the Pentagon to serve as Senior Military Evaluator, Air Warfare Systems, Director of Operational Test and Evaluation. During his tenure, he guided test and evaluation planning and execution oversight for the USS Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carriers, EA-18 Growler, MQ-25 Stingray, and the next generation Jammer. Following his tour at the Pentagon, Dartez returned to Virginia Beach, Virginia, to start his training path to become Commander, Carrier Air Wing 8 onboard USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78).
 
Dartez has accumulated over 3,200 flight hours in 8 aircraft and 750 carrier arrested landings, including 75 combat missions. His awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Strike/Flight Air Medal (4 awards), Navy Commendation Medal (3 awards), Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal (3 awards) and various campaign, unit, and service awards.

 
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