Commanding Officer
Cmdr. Charles C. Sonntag
Cmdr. Charles Sonntag is a native of Boca Raton, Florida, and a 2006 graduate of Jacksonville University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Aviation Management and Flight Operations. He received his commission through the Navy ROTC program at Jacksonville University in 2006 and reported to Naval Air Station Pensacola in August 2006 for flight training. After earning his “Wings of Gold” in February 2009, he reported to the “Greyhawks” of Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 120, the E-2/C-2 Hawkeye aircraft Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS), Norfolk, Virginia, as a Fleet Replacement Pilot for training to fly the E-2C Hawkeye aircraft.
Between 2010 and 2013, Sonntag was assigned to the “Seahawks” of VAW-126, Norfolk, Virginia, attached to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3. In 2010 he deployed aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) to U.S. 5th Fleet in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Inherent Resolve. During his tour he served as the squadrons Personnel Officer and as a Landing Signal Officer (LSO). In 2011, he augmented the “Tigertails” of VAW-125, Norfolk, Virginia, and deploy with them aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) to U.S. 5th Fleet. While augmented and during this deployment, he would serve as LSO and Assistant Operations Officer. During this time, he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant.
In 2013 he reported back to VAW-120 as an FRS Instructor Pilot. He qualified in the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft and served as an instructor in both the E-2C and E-2D aircraft variants, teaching new pilots how to safely operate the aircraft in both the field and carrier environments. Additionally, he served as an LSO, E-2D Pilot Training Officer, and Student Control Officer.
From 2015 to 2017, he was assigned to USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), Norfolk, Virginia, as a Catapult and Arresting Gear Officer, or “Shooter,” where he was responsible for launching and recovering fixed wing aircraft. In 2016, he deployed to U.S. 5th Fleet in support of Operation Inherent Resolve and operations in Syria against ISIS. He also served as Division Officer for Air Departments V-5, V-3, and V-1 division, as well as Repair Locker Officer. During this time, he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Commander and was selected to serve as a Fleet Squadron Department Head.
In July 2017, Sonntag reported to the Marine Corps Command and Staff College at Marine Corps University, Quantico, Virginia, for resident Joint Professional Military Education 1. He earned a master’s degree in military studies with focus on Expeditionary Advanced Based Operations. He also served on an advanced military think tank as a “Grey Scholar.”
In 2018, he reported to the “Sun Kings” of VAW-116, Point Mugu, California, attached to CVW-17 for his Department Head tour. In 2020, he deployed to U.S. 3rd, 7th, and 5th Fleets aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68) in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, and Operation Octave Quartz. He also served as the squadron’s Safety Officer, Administrative Officer, and Maintenance Officer.
In April 2021, Sonntag reported to The Joint Staff, J5 – Directorate for Strategy, Plans, and Policy, Western Hemisphere – Homeland Division, where he served as a Political-Military Planner and Action Officer in the Defense Support Civil Authorities Branch. His responsibilities included developing and promoting strategic policy initiatives and advising senior Department of Defense leaders and National Security Council staffers on topics affecting the Homeland.
Sonntag was selected for operational command and reported to VAW-121, in Norfolk, Virginia, as the Executive Officer in July 2024.
He now serves as the Commanding Officer of VAW-121 as of August 2025.
He has accumulated over 3,300 flight hours. His awards include the Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (two awards), Navy Achievement Medal (two awards), and various campaigns, service, and unit awards.