Commanding Officer
Cmdr. Derrick "DB" Bruce
Cmdr. Bruce, a native of Dallas, Texas, graduated from the United States Naval Academy, earning a Bachelor of Science in Economics. He was designated a Naval Aviator in February 2010 at Naval Air Station (NAS) Corpus Christi, Texas.
Bruce’s first sea assignment was with Patrol Squadron (VP) 9 aboard Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, from December 2010 to July 2014, flying the P-3C Orion aircraft. While with the “Golden Eagles,” he completed two operational deployments to 6th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR) and two additional surges to 5th Fleet. While with VP-9, he qualified as a Patrol Plane Commander, Patrol Plane Mission Commander, Patrol Plane Instructor Pilot, and Weapons and Tactics Instructor.
Bruce’s first shore assignment was with VP-30 in Jacksonville, Florida, from July 2014 to July 2017. While on board, he transitioned to the P-8A Poseidon aircraft and served on the Fleet Naval Air Training and Operating Procedures Standardization (NATOPS) team and was the Pilot Training Officer. He also qualified as a Formation Information Professional (IP) officer and was the first fleet AAR IP. During his tour at VP-30, Bruce earned his Master of Business Administration from the University of Florida.
In July 2017, he reported back to VP-26 as the Squadron Maritime Tactics Instructor (SMTI). While there, he deployed to the 6th and 7th Fleet AORs.
In October 2019, Bruce reported to VP-40 at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington, as a Department Head. He served as the Certified Safety Director Officer, Tactics Officer, Training Officer, Maintenance Officer, and Operations Officer. During the “Fighting Marlin’s” inaugural P-8 deployment to 6th Fleet, Bruce served as the Operations Officer to Commander Task Group (CTG) 67.1.
In April 2022, Bruce reported to Navy Personnel Command (BUPERS) on the PERS-43 team. As the VP Placement officer, he was integral to the officer manning throughout the community. Following his tour at BUPERS, Commander Bruce was again assigned to VP-30 as the Executive Officer.
He assumed duties as VP-8’s Executive Officer in May 2024 and is currently the Commanding Officer of the “Fighting Tigers.”
Bruce has accumulated over 3,000 flight hours in the P-3C Orion and P-8A Poseidon aircraft. His personal decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (five awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and other unit and service ribbons.