Commanding Officer
Cmdr. Benjamin "Silverback" Sanders
Cmdr. Benjamin Sanders, a native of Normal, Illinois, graduated and was commissioned from the United States Merchant Marine Academy in June 2007, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Engineering Systems.
He reported to Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida, for flight training in October 2007 and was designated a Naval Aviator in March 2010. In May 2010, Sanders reported to the “Greyhawks” of Airborne Command & Control Squadron (VAW) 120 in Norfolk, Virginia, for initial training in the E-2C Hawkeye aircraft.
Sanders’ initial operational tour was with the “Bluetails” of VAW-121 in Norfolk, Virginia, flying the E-2C Hawkeye aircraft. He completed two combat deployments aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. In 2014, he reported back VAW-120 for instructor duty, where he served as the Pilot Naval Air Training and Operating Procedures Standardization (NATOPS) Officer and the E-2C NATOPS Program Manager.
Sanders attended the Surface Navigator School where he was the 2015 honor graduate and awarded the Magellan Award. He then reported to USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) as the Assistant Navigator.
In 2019, he reported to the “Seahawks” of VAW-126 in Norfolk, Virginia, serving as the Administrative Officer and Maintenance Officer. He deployed aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) in support of Operation Inherent Resolve flying the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye.
Following his department head tour, Sanders served as the VAW/Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC)/ Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Squadron (VRM)/ Unmanned Carrier Launched Multi-Role Squadron (VUQ)/Fixed-wing Jet Squadron (VJT) Placement Officer at Navy Personnel Command, PERS-43, in Millington, Tennessee. In March 2024, he reported as the Executive Officer of VAW-126 and served in this role through the squadron’s 2024-2025 aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.
Sanders assumed the duties and responsibilities as the Commanding Officer of VAW-126 in June 2025.
Sanders has accumulated over 3,000 flight hours and 300 arrested landings. His awards include the Navy Commendation Medal (four awards) and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two awards) along with various campaign and unit awards.