CDR Victor Costello

Commander Victor Costello, a native of Barre, VT, graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2002 with a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering.  Designated a Naval Aviator in October 2004 at NAS Kingsville, TX, he reported to the “Rough Raiders” of VFA-125 in Lemoore, CA for initial training in the F/A-18 Hornet.

Upon completion of the FRS, he received orders to the “Blue Diamonds” of VFA-146 flying the F/A-18C serving as AV/ARM Division Officer and A/A Weapons Training Officer.  He deployed onboard USS JOHN C STENNIS (CVN 74) and flew combat missions in support of Operations ENDURING FREEDOM and IRAQI FREEDOM. 

In November 2008, he reported to the “Flying Eagles” of VFA-122 in Lemoore, California and served as Instructor Pilot in the F/A-18 A-F and as a T-34C Low Safe pilot.
In November 2011, Commander Costello reported to Commander Carrier Strike Group One (CSG-1) in San Diego, CA as Strike Officer.  He deployed onboard USS CARL VINSON (CVN 70) and flew with CVW-17 in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.
CDR Costello was next assigned to the “Argonauts” of VFA-147 in October 2013 flying the F/A-18E.  He served as the Administrative, Safety, Maintenance, and Operations Officer. 
 
In November 2016, CDR Costello reported to the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island earning a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies.
 
Next, he reported to USSTRATCOM, Joint Functional Component Command for Integrated Missile Defense in Colorado Springs, Colorado. There he served as IMD Watch Commander in the J3 Operations Center and earned an MBA from the Kenan-Flagler Business School, UNC-Chapel Hill.
Commander Costello received orders to VFA-106 for requalification training in November 2019 and to the Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN) Adversary Course in October 2020.
Commander Costello has accumulated over 2,600 flight hours and more than 300 carrier arrested landings.  His personal decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Strike Flight Air Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (2), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2), and various other unit, campaign, and service decorations.
He reported to Strike Fighter Weapons School, Atlantic, in December 2020 as Executive Officer.