Executive officer
Cmdr. Phil Gurney
Cmdr. Phil “Nard Dog” Gurney, a native of Leesburg, Virginia, graduated from the University of Virginia in 2009 with a Bachelor of Science in computer science. He returned to the University of Virginia in 2021, earning a Master of Business Administration. Gurney began flight training in Pensacola, Florida, completing Primary Flight Training in the T-6B Texan II aircraft with Training Squadron (VT) 6 in Milton, Florida, followed by Advanced Jet Training in the T-45C Goshawk aircraft with VT-9 in Meridian, Mississippi.
He earned his“Wings of Gold” in July 2012 and subsequently completed F/A-18E/F Super Hornet training
with the “Gladiators” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 106 in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Upon completion of training in 2013, he reported to the “Blacklions” of VFA-213 in Virginia Beach. He deployed aboard USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) in 2014 in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Inherent Resolve.
In 2016, Gurney transitioned to the training command as a T-45 instructor with the “Golden Eagles” of VT-22 in Kingsville, Texas. His assignments included Assistant Operations Officer, Chief of Naval Air Training (CNATRA) Air-to-Air Standardization Officer, and Flight Instructor
Training Unit Instructor. He was later selected for the Fleet Scholar Education Program to complete his graduate education.
Following refresher training with VFA-106, Gurney reported to the “Bounty Hunters” of VFA-2 in Lemoore, California, for his department head tour. During this tour, the squadron completed a
Western Pacific deployment in 2023–2024 aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) and supported the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise in summer 2024.
Gurney returned to VFA-106 in fall 2024 for an instructor tour and was subsequently selected for command. He reported to the Strike Fighter Weapons School Atlantic (SFWSL) as executive officer in December 2025.
Gurney has accumulated more than 2,500 flight hours and 300 carrier arrested landings. His personal awards include the Air Medal, Navy Commendation Medals (three awards), Navy and
Marine Corps Achievement Medals (two awards), and various unit and campaign awards.