Commanding Officer
Cmdr. Charles A. Larwood III
Cmdr. Charles A. Larwood III, a native of Roswell, GA, is a 2004 graduate of the United States Naval Academy where he earned a bachelor of science degree in Quantitative Economics. He also attended the Naval Post Graduate School, graduating with a master of science in Operations Research. He was designated a naval aviator in December 2006.
Larwood’s P-8A operational tours include Patrol and Reconnaissance Squadron (VP) 45 as executive officer and VP-8 as operations officer. During his P-3C operational tour, he flew withVP-45 as Naval Air Training and Operating Procedures Standardization (NATOPS) officer, pilot training officer, instructor pilot, and mission commander.
His shore assignments include two tours at Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 20 where he served as government flight test director and test pilot for various projects such as envelope expansion flights on both P-8A and MQ-4C; in-flight refueling compatibility testing with KC-30, HAAWC weapons separation and development, Harpoon II+ missile testing; and various upgrades to fleet aircraft. Additionally he served as NATOPS, out-of-control flight, and formation/chase instructor in the T-2C. Prior to his first test assignment, he graduated from United States Test Pilot School with Class 141 during which he flew various heavy and fighter aircraft, including a DT-II evaluation of the L-39C for the light attack mission.
Larwood has served overseas in 4th, 6th, and 7th Fleet areas of responsibility leading crews supporting deployments, combined and joint exercises, and operations to provide critical intelligence in support of US regional interests. His personal awards include the Navy Commendation Medal (4) and recipient of the National Society, Daughters of the American Revolution Prize. He has flown approximately 2500 flight hours in over 25 type aircraft and is a member of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots. He currently serves with the finest women and men in the country as the commanding officer of VP-45.