Executive Officer
Cmdr. Derrick Bruce

Cmdr. Derrick 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.       
                                                                          
His 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 sixth Fleet area of responsibility and two additional surges to fifth 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.                                                                           
His 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 and served on the Fleet NATOPS team and was the Pilot Training Officer. He also qualified as a Formation IP and was the first fleet AAR IP. During his tour at VP-30, he also earned his Masters 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 sixth and seventh Fleet Are of Responsibilities (AORs).

In October 2019, he reported to VP-40 at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington as a Department Head. Commander Bruce served as the CSD Officer, Tactics Officer, Training Officer, Maintenance Officer, and Operations Officer.  During the “Fighting Marlin’s” inaugural P-8 Poseidon deployment to sixth Fleet, he served as the Operations officer to CTG 67.1.

In April 2022, he reported to Navy Personnel Command on the PERS-43 team. As the VP Placement officer, he was integral to the officer manning throughout the community. He is currently the XO at the Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Force (MPRF) FRS, VP-30, and assumed duties as XO at VP-8 in June 2024.

He has accumulated over 2,900 flight hours in the P-3C Orion and P-8A Poseidon aircrafts. His personal decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (4), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and other unit and service ribbons.