Commanding Officer
Capt. Dave Snowden
Captain Dave Snowden graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1996 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace engineering. He earned a Master of Science degree in National Resource Strategy from National Defense University’s Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy in 2016.
As an aviator, he served in sea duty assignments including junior officer tours with the “Scouts” of Sea Control Squadron (VS) 24 and the “Mighty Shrikes” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 94, department head with the “Kestrels” of VFA-137, and commander of VFA-25 “Fist of the Fleet”. He completed multiple deployments aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65), USS Nimitz (CVN 68), and USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), flying combat missions over Iraq and Afghanistan. After completion of nuclear power training Captain Snowden served as the executive officer onboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). His most recent sea duty assignment was Commanding Officer of USS San Antonio (LPD 17).
Snowden’s shore duty assignments include instructor pilot and department head at the “Rough Raiders” of VFA-125, Strike Fighter and Carrier Air Wing Placement Officer at Navy Personnel Command, executive officer with the VFA-122 “Flying Eagles”, and as Joint Exercise Division Chief, Joint Staff J-7.
CAPT Snowden’s military awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal (2 awards), Strike / Flight Air Medal (2 Awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (5 Awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and various personal, unit, and service awards.