Executive Officer
Cmdr. Benjamin "Silverback" Sanders
Commander 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 NAS 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.
Sanders’ initial operational tour was with the “Bluetails” of VAW-121 Norfolk, Virginia flying the E-2C Hawkeye. He completed two combat deployments aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. In 2014, he reported to the “Greyhawks” of VAW-120 in Norfolk, Virginia for instructor duty, where he served as the Pilot 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/VRC/VRM/VUQ/VJT Placement Officer at Navy Personnel Command, PERS-43, in Millington, Tennessee. He was selected for squadron command in March 2022 and reported to the “Seahawks” of VAW-126 in March 2024.
Sanders has accumulated over 2,400 flight hours and 250 arrested landings. His awards include the Navy Commendation Medal (4) and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2) along with various campaign and unit awards.