CDR Aras Knasas

Commander Aras M. Knasas is a native of Boston, MA. Upon graduating from Boston Latin School in 1996, he enrolled at Tufts University and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations in May 2000. In 2001, CDR Knasas attended Navy Officer Candidate School in Pensacola, FL and was commissioned as an Ensign in May 2001.

After completing flight training in March 2003, he was designated a Naval Aviator and received his Wings of Gold.  LTJG Knasas then reported to the “Sharpshooters” of VMFAT-101 for initial training in the F/A-18C Hornet at MCAS Miramar, CA.  His initial fleet squadron tour was with the VFA 105 “Gunslingers” homeported at NAS Oceana, VA.

He completed his first deployment aboard USS HARRY S.TRUMAN (CVN 75) in support of IRAQI FREEDOM.  After deployment, the VFA 105 transitioned to the FA-18E Super Hornet at NAS Lemoore, CA.  During his junior officer tour, LT Knasas was selected to attend the U.S. Navy Fighter Weapons School where he completed the Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor Course in September 2007.  He then reported to Strike Fighter Weapons School Atlantic and served as the F/A-18 Radar SME and Tactics Development Director. 

In February 2010, LT Knasas reported to the “Blacklions” of VFA 213 as the Pilot Training Officer. During this assignment, he deployed aboard USS GEORGE H.W. BUSH (CVN 77) in support of Operations ENDURING FREEDOM and NEW DAWN.  In February 2012, LCDR Knasas reported to the VFA 211 “Checkmates” and deployed aboard USS ENTERPRISE (CVN 65) in support of Operations ENDURING FREEDOM and NEW DAWN.  He served as Safety Officer, Operations Officer and Maintenance Officer.  In December 2014, LCDR Knasas reported to Joint Staff Hampton Roads (J-35) where he served as the SecDef Orders Book Writer and ISR Action Officer.

CDR Knasas reported to the VFA 131 “Wildcats” as Executive Officer in December 2017 and became Commanding Officer in May 2019.  In January 2020, the VFA 131 deployed aboard USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN 69) in support of Operation FREEDOM’S SENTINEL. VFA 131 was awarded the CY2020 CNAL Battle “E”. In September 2020, he reported to OPNAV N98 where he served as the F/A-XX Requirements Officer.

CDR Knasas’ decorations include a Defense Meritorious Service Medal, two Meritorious Service Medals, four Strike/Flight Air Medals, three Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, and various campaign and service awards.  He has accumulated 3,500 flight hours and made 730 carrier arrested landings.