CDR Rod Miranda
Commander Rod Miranda, a native of Harbor City, California, graduated in 2002 with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of California at San Diego. He received his commission through Officer Candidate School at Pensacola Florida in April 2003. In May 2003 he was assigned to pilot training at Pensacola Florida, Corpus Christi Texas, and then Meridian Mississippi, earning his Naval Aviator Wings in December 2005.
Following initial flight training, CDR Miranda reported to the “Rough Raiders” of VFA-125 for instruction in the F-18 Hornet. Trained as a Fleet Replacement Pilot, he was first assigned to the “Mighty Shrikes” of VFA-94 and from August 2006 until August 2009. He completed two Unit Deployment Programs with 1st Marine Air Wing, Marine Air Group 12, and served as Schedules Officer, Line Division Officer, Weapons and Tactics Officer, and Assistant Operations Officer.
In September 2009 he was selected to attend the Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN). CDR Miranda graduated TOPGUN with follow on orders to the “Outlaws” of Strike Fighter Weapons School, Pacific. At Strike Fighter Weapons School Pacific, CDR Miranda served as the Within Visual Range Subject Matter Expert, Adversary Officer, and Operations Officer.
In 2012 CDR Miranda reported to the “Warhawks” of VFA-97 as the Training and Standardization Officer deploying aboard USS JOHN C. STENNIS. In September 2014, CDR Miranda reported to the “Blacklions” of VFA-213 where he served as the Safety, Administrative, Maintenance, and Operations Officer deploying aboard USS GEORGE H.W. BUSH.
In March 2017, CDR Miranda was assigned to the staff of US Strategic Command Joint Forces Component Commander, Space serving as Chief of the Exercise and Training Division. CDR Miranda reported to VFA-106 in February of 2019 for F-18 requalification training. In September 2019, he assumed duties as Executive Officer of Strike fighter Weapons School, Atlantic.
CDR Miranda is a graduate of the Navy Fighter Weapons School, the Naval Aviation Safety School, the Joint Fires Support Coordination Course, the U.S. Air War College Distance program, and the National Security Space Institute Space Professionals Course.
CDR Miranda has accumulated over 2700 flight hours and more than 300 carrier arrested landings. His decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Strike-Flight Air Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, as well as various unit, campaign, and service awards.
He reported to Strike Fighter Weapons School, Atlantic, as Commanding Officer in November 2020.
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