Commanding Officer
Cmdr. Travis S. Amerine
Cmdr. Travis “Sweet T” Amerine, a native of Corley, Arkansas, graduated from the United States Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science degree in 2005. He then attended Stanford University graduating with a Master of Arts in International Policy Studies.
After being designated as a naval aviator in Meridian, Mississippi, he reported to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 122 in Lemoore, California, for initial training in the F/A-18 Super Hornet aircraft. After completion of his training in 2009, he reported to the “Royal Maces” of VFA-27 in Atsugi, Japan.
In 2012, Amerine attended the Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor Course (TOPGUN) in Fallon, Nevada, after which he reported to Strike Fighter Weapons School Atlantic as an instructor.
Post completion of his weapons school tour, he reported to the “Blue Blasters” of VFA-34 where he served as training officer. In 2016, upon selection for department head, he reported to the “Sidewinders” of VFA-86 in Lemoore, California.
Following his department head tour, Amerine received orders to serve as the F/A-18 West and F-35 placement officer within PERS-43 in Millington, Tennessee.
Amerine assumed command of the “Gunslingers” of VFA-105 in August 2023 where the squadron earned the 2024 CNAL Battle Efficiency and CAPT Michael J. Estocin Awards.
Following his command tour, he reported to U.S. Fleet Forces Command to serve as the Executive Assistant to the Director of Maritime Operations.
He is now serving as the Commanding Officer of the “Gladiators” of VFA-106 as of June 2025.
Amerine has been awarded the 2017 Commander, Naval Air Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Pilot of the Year, Commander U.S. Naval Air Forces Leadership Award in 2010 and 2017, the 2014 Strike Fighter Wing Atlantic Weapons School Instructor of the Year, and various personal, unit and campaign awards.