Commanding Officer
Cmdr. Curtis White
 

Cmdr. Curtis "GIL" White is a native of Vidor, Texas.  Enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps in 2002, he is a 2005 graduate of Colorado Technical University.  He received his commission in 2006 after attending Officer Candidate School (OCS) and was designated a Naval Flight Officer (NFO) in 2008.  He holds a Master’s in Operations Management from the University of Arkansas and is a Joint Qualified Officer (JQO).

White’s sea duty assignments include an operational tour with Patrol Squadron (VP) 46, where he deployed to U.S. 5th and 6th Fleets conducting combat missions in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, New Dawn, Odyssey Dawn, and Unified Protector; Squadron Maritime Tactics Instructor (SMTI), VP-10; department head, VP-5, where he deployed in support of operations in the U.S. 6th and 7th Fleet areas of responsibility.

His shore assignments include duty as a P-8A Poseidon Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) instructor tactical coordinator (TACCO) with VP-30; weapons and tactics instructor (WTI), fleet instructor under training instructor (FIUT-I), and fleet subject matter expert (SME) for P-8A Poseidon Anti-Surface Warfare, Tactical Data Links, and Electronic Support Measures (ESM) at the Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Weapons School (MPRWS); executive assistant to the Deputy Director for Politico-Military Affairs (DDPMA) – Africa, and Branch Chief for Politico-Military Affairs in West Africa and the Sahel, the Joint Staff, Directorate for Strategy, Plans, and Policy (J5).  

He reported to VP-26 in May 2023 and assumed the duties as Commanding Officer in May 2024.

White has accumulated more than 580 combat and 2,700 total flight hours.  His personnel awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal (Strike/Flight), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and various campaign, unit, and service awards.