Commanding Officer
Cmdr. Tim "Gidget" Coennen
A native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Cmdr. Coennen graduated from Kent State University in 2006, earning a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics. Coennen was commissioned through Officer Candidate School. He earned his Naval Flight Officer Wings in April 2008.
Coennen began his operational flying in October 2008 with the “Mad Foxes” of Patrol and Reconnaissance Squadron (VP) 5. While a Mad Fox, he completed two deployments spanning U.S. 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th Fleets, participating in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Odyssey Dawn/Unified Protector.
Coennen reported to the White House Military Office (WHMO) in March 2012 assigned to the President’s Emergency Operations Center, serving as Team Chief and Training Officer. During his time at WHMO, he directly supported the 2016 election, 2016 Presidential Inauguration, multiple Presidential Bus Tours, and various Presidential Trips.
Coennen reported to USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) in June 2015 as a “Shooter,” qualifying on both legacy and Ford-class catapult and recovery systems.
He reported to Navy Personnel Command (PERS-43) in February 2017 serving as the Flight Student Detailer and Assistance VP Placement Officer.
Coennen then reported to VP-30 as a Naval Flight Officer Instructor in June 2018. During this time, he qualified on the P-8A Poseidon aircraft and served as the Safety Officer.
He returned to the fleet as a Department Head at VP-10, the “Red Lancers.” While with the Red Lancers, he completed two deployments to U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet, serving as Operations Officer, Future Operations Officer, and Administrative Officer.
Following his department head tour, Coennen served as an action officer and branch chief, U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM), J-4 Directorate. As the Posture Branch Chief, he was routinely relied upon to interact with Office of the Secretary of Defense, Joint Staff, State Department and USAFRICOM to message the command’s posture requirements on the continent. He then transferred to Tactical Operations Control Squadron (TOCRON) 11 and served as the Executive Officer.
He is currently the Commanding Officer of TOCRON-11 at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida.
Coennen has logged over 2,000 hours conducting P-3C Orion and P-8A Poseidon aircraft missions. His awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Strike/Flight Air Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (four awards), and other personal, service and unit awards.