Commanding Officer
Cmdr. Chris "Chef" Cook
Cmdr. Chris “Chef” Cook is a native of Toledo, OH. He attended the United States Naval Academy, where he graduated in 2005, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics.
Following commissioning, Cook conducted flight training at NAS Pensacola, Florida, NAS Corpus Christi, Texas, and NAS Kingsville, Texas, earning his Wings of Gold in March of 2008. Subsequently, he reported to the E-2/C-2 Fleet Replacement Squadron,VAW-120, for training and carrier qualification in the C-2 Greyhound.
Following completion of the FRS, Cook reported to the “Rawhides” of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron FOUR ZERO (VRC-40) for his first sea tour. Over the next three years, he deployed twice with the USS CARL VINSON (CVN 70) Carrier Strike Group. During his deployments, he conducted carrier based fleet logistics throughout 11 countries spanning 3rd, 5th, and 7th Fleets while participating in Operation ENDURING FREEDOM and Operation NEW DAWN. Additionally, he flew Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief (HA/DR) sorties in support of Operation UNIFIED RESPONSE in the wake of the 2010 Haiti earthquake. During his tour at VRC-40, he served as the Avionics Division Officer, Quality Assurance Officer, NATOPS Officer, Detachment Operations Officer, and Detachment Administrative Officer. Upon completing his tour with VRC-40, Commander Cook returned to the “Greyhawks” of VAW-120 as a C-2 flight instructor. During his tour, he contributed to the successful training of over 150 pilots, NFOs, and Aircrewmen across the Hawkeye and Greyhound community.
Following his tour at VAW-120, Cook reported to Fleet Logistics Support Squadron THREE ZERO (VRC-30), as the Training and NATOPS Officer. He remained at VRC-30 for his Department Head tour where he served as the Maintenance Officer, Operations Officer, and the Detachment ONE Officer-in-Charge. He deployed with Carrier Air Wing SEVENTEEN onboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt, providing fleet logistics throughout seven countries spanning 3rd, 5th, and 7th Fleets.
In November 2018, Cook reported to Navy Personnel Command in Millington, TN to serve as the PERS-43 Aviation Incentive Pay and Aviation Bonus Program Manager.
Cook has logged over 2,100 hours and 200 arrested landings in the C-2A Greyhound. His personal decorations include the Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy-Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal as well as multiple unit and service awards.