Capt. Christopher S. Dentzer
Capt. Dentzer graduated from the United States Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science in physics and was commissioned as an ensign in 2000. Designated a naval aviator in 2002, he reported to VFA-125 at NAS Lemoore, California for pilot training in the F/A-18 Hornet.
In 2003, Capt. Dentzer reported to the “Sidewinders” of VFA-86 at MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina deploying three times aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65) in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. In 2006, he graduated from TOPGUN and reported to the “Diablos” of Strike Fighter Weapons School Atlantic at Naval Air Station (NAS) Oceana, Virginia as a strike fighter tactics instructor.
Capt. Dentzer returned to the fleet in 2009 with the “Ragin' Bulls” of VFA-37 at NAS Oceana deploying aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Following his training officer tour, he reported to the “Fist of the Fleet” of VFA-25 at NAS Lemoore in 2011 for his department head tour deploying aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) once again in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Capt. Dentzer was selected for command in 2015 and returned to VFA-25 for his command tour. He deployed aboard USS Harry S. Truman in support of Operation Inherent Resolve as Executive Officer and took command of the “Fist of the Fleet” in 2017. Post command, he served as division chief at United States Central Command in Tampa, Florida.
Capt. Dentzer has over 3,200 flight hours, 500 arrested landings, and flown 80 combat missions. He earned an executive master's degree in business administration from the Naval Post Graduate School in 2008 and a masters in national security and strategic studies from the Naval War College in 2015. His personal decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy Meritorious Service Medal, Strike Fighter Air Medal (3), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (4), and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2).
Capt. Dentzer reported as the Deputy Commodore for Strike Fighter Wing, Atlantic in November of 2022.