Commanding Officer
Cmdr. Michael Garcia
Cmdr. Michael Garcia is a second-generation naval aviator born in Ridgecrest, California. He is a 2005 graduate from Marquette University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and was commissioned through the NROTC program. He is a 2015 graduate from the Naval War College, earning his Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies. He was designated a naval aviator in August 2007 at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, Texas.
His first operational squadron tour was with the “Golden Eagles” of Patrol Squadron (VP) 9 aboard Marine Corps Base Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, flying the P-3C Orion from 2008-2011. During this tour, he deployed to the United States Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) and United States Central Command (CENTCOM) areas of responsibility (AOR) supporting Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. During his tenure with the “Golden Eagles,” he qualified as mission commander, instructor pilot, and instructor-under-training (IUT) instructor pilot.
Garcia’s first shore assignment was at “The Pro’s Nest” of VP-30 aboard Naval Air Station (NAS) Jacksonville, Florida, as a fleet replacement squadron (FRS) instructor from 2011-2014. During his tenure at “The Pro’s Nest,” he qualified as an FRS instructor-under-training (IUT) instructor pilot, fleet IUT instructor pilot, and fleet NATOPS evaluator.
Following his FRS tour, Garcia served as the flag aide for Commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 1 and deployed on USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) at NAS North Island from 2014-2016, where he qualified as command duty officer (underway). While onboard, he deployed to the INDOPACOM and CENTCOM AORs in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.
He subsequently joined the “Tridents” of VP-26 aboard NAS Jacksonville for his department head tour from 2017-2019. During this tour, he deployed with the “Tridents” to the INDOPACOM and United States European Command (EUCOM) AORs, serving in his senior role as the operations officer.
He most recently served as the senior maritime advisor to the United States Department of State, Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, from 2019-2021.
Garcia has accumulated over 2,300 pilot hours in the P-3C and P-8A, including 69 combat missions. His personal decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal Strike/Flight (3), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (4), and various other unit, campaign, and service awards.
Garcia assumed Command of Special Projects Patrol Squadron (VPU) 2 on 19 May 2023.