Commanding Officer
Cmdr. Joel W. Jacobs
Cmdr. Joel Jacobs, a native of Burlington, Vermont, graduated from East Carolina University in 2004 with a double major in Physics and Math. Designated a naval flight officer (NFO) in 2006 in Pensacola, Florida, he reported to the “Gladiators” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 106 in Oceana, Virginia, for initial training in the F/A-18F Super Hornet.
Upon completion of the FRS, he received orders to the “Black Lions” of VFA-213 and deployed aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
In 2010, Jacobs reported to the Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN) with follow-on orders to the Strike Fighter Weapons School, Atlantic. During this tour he also earned an MBA from the Mason School of Business at the College of William and Mary.
His next assignment was as training officer with the “Black Lions” of VFA-213 where he deployed aboard the USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Inherent Resolve. This deployment culminated with the “Black Lions” winning the Battle “E” and the McClusky Award, as well as Jacobs being selected as the Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic NFO of the Year.
Jacobs was then the first selectee to the Fleet Scholar Education Program and reported to Cambridge, Massachusetts, to earn an MPA from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government.
His next assignment was as a department head with the “Black Aces” of VFA-41 in Lemoore, California. Jacobs also served as their safety and maintenance officer. Following his department head tour, he reported to the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, as an action officer on the Joint Staff. Jacobs served in C4/Cyber requirements division of the J6 directorate as well as the National Military Command Center.
Jacobs has accumulated over 2,500 flight hours and over 100 combat sorties. His personal decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Strike Flight Air Medal (4), Navy Commendation Medal (3), Navy Achievement Medal, and various other unit, campaign, and service decorations.
He reported to Strike Fighter Weapons School, Atlantic, in August 2023 as commanding officer.