Commanding Officer
Capt. Colin P. Day

Capt. Day was raised in a Navy family and is a native of Oak Harbor, Washington. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1996 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics, and was designated a naval aviator in February, 1999.

Day’s assignments at sea include participation in Operations Southern Watch, Iraqi Freedom, and Enduring Freedom with the Strike Fighter Squadrons (VFA) “Black Aces” of VF-41/VFA-41, the “Redcocks” of VFA-22, the “Eagles” of VFA-115, and command of the “Warhawks” of VFA-97. Additionally, he served as executive officer of USS George Washington (CVN 73) and commanded USS Lewis B. Puller (ESB 3) prior to reporting as commanding officer of PCU John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) in May 2022.

Day’s shore assignments include various Naval Aviation Training Command squadrons, F-14/FA-18 fleet replacement squadrons, Strike Fighter Weapons School Pacific, NATO Communications and Information Services Agency Headquarters, Navy Nuclear Power Training Command, Nuclear Power Training Unit Charleston, and the staff of Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic. 

Day has accumulated 858 arrested landings during over 3,500 flight hours flying the F-14A Tomcat, FA-18A/B/C/D Hornet, and FA-18E/F Super Hornet. He is a graduate of the Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN), holds an Executive Master of Business Administration degree from the Naval Postgraduate School, and is a joint qualified officer. His personal decorations include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, three Meritorious Service Medals, five Strike/Flight Air Medals, four Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medals (with combat distinguishing device), and two Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medals.