Executive Officer
Cmdr. Charles C. Sonntag
Cmdr. Charles C. 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 NROTC program at Jacksonville University in 2006 and reported to Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola in August 2006 for flight training. After earning his ‘Wings of Gold’ in February 2009 he reported to the “Greyhawks” of Airborne Command & Control Squadron (VAW) 120, the E-2/C-2 Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS), Norfolk, VA as a Fleet Replacement Pilot for training to fly the E-2C Hawkeye.
Between 2010 and 2013 he was assigned to the “Seahawks” of VAW-126, Norfolk, Virginia attached to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3. In 2010 he deployed aboard the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) to Fifth Fleet in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Inherent Resolve. During his tour he served as the squadrons Personnel Officer (PERSO) and as a Landing Signal Officer (LSO). In 2011, he would augment the “Tigertails” of VAW-125, Norfolk, Virginia, and deploy with them aboard the USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) to Fifth Fleet. While augmented and during this deployment, he would serve as LSO and Assistant Operations Officer. During this time he would be promoted to the rank of Lieutenant.
In 2013 he reported back to the “Greyhawks” of VAW-120, Norfolk, Virginia as an FRS Instructor Pilot. He would be qualified in the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye and serve as an instructor in both the E-2C and E-2D variants, teaching fleet ‘Nuggets” how to safely operate the aircraft in both the field and carrier environments. While assigned to VAW-120, he would additionally serve as LSO, E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft Pilot Training Officer, and Student Control Officer.
From 2015 to 2017 he was assigned to the 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 aboard the ‘Mighty IKE’. In 2016 he would deploy to Fifth Fleet in support of Operation Inherent Resolve and operations in Syria against ISIS. While assigned to the IKE, he would serve as Division Officer for Air Departments V-5, V-3, and V-1 division, as well as Repair Locker Officer. During this time he would promote to the rank of Lieutenant Commander and be selected to serve as a Fleet Squadron Department Head.
In July 2017 he reported to the Marine Corps Command and Staff College at Marine Corps University, Quantico, Virginia for resident Joint Professional Military Education ONE (JPME-1). He would earn a Master degree in Military Studies with focus on Expeditionary Advanced Based Operations. He would also serve 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 Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 for his Department Head tour. In 2020 he would deploy to Third, Seventh, and Fifth Fleets aboard the USS Nimitz (CVN 68) in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, and Operation Octave Quartz. While attached he would serve as the squadrons Safety Officer, Administrative Officer, and Maintenance Officer.
In 2021 he reported to The Joint Staff, J5 – Directorate for Strategy, Plans, and Policy, Western Hemisphere – Homeland Division in April of 2021 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.
He was selected for Operational Command and reported to VAW-121, in Norfolk, VA as Executive Officer (XO) in July 2024.
He has accumulated over 3,300 flight hours. His awards include the Joint Service Commendation Medal (1), Navy Commendation Medal (2), Navy Achievement Medal (2), Sea Service Ribbon (2), and various campaign, service, and unit awards.