Executive Officer
Cmdr. Robert "LEAWICK" Patrick
Cmdr. Robert “LEAWICK” Patrick, a native of Alexandria, Virginia, graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2010 with a Bachelor of Science in History. He earned his wings of gold in November of 2012. Patrick then reported to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 106, the “Gladiators,” at Naval Air Station (NAS) Oceana, Virginia, in January 2013 for initial training in the F/A-18E Super Hornet aircraft.
In February 2014 he began his operational flying with VFA-143, “The World-Famous Pukin’ Dogs,” at NAS Oceana. While assigned to VFA-143, he completed a combat deployment aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) in 2016, flying in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. After his initial operational tour, he was selected to attend the United States Navy Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor (SFTI) Program (TOPGUN) and graduated in April of 2017 as a SFTI. Following graduation he reported to Strike Fighter Weapons School Pacific (SFWSP) serving as the Surface-to-Air Threats and Counter-Tactics Subject Matter Expert on board NAS Lemoore.
In 2019, Patrick rejoined the fleet as a Training Officer in the “Kestrels” of VFA-137 where he completed a combat deployment from 2020-2021 aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68) in support of Operations Inherent Resolve, Freedom’s Sentinel, and Octave Quartz. In April of 2021 Patrick returned to VFA-143 as a department head serving as both the Maintenance and Operations Officer. While at VFA-143 in 2022 he deployed aboard USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) in support of U.S. 6th Fleet operations.
Following his Department Head Tour, Patrick attended the United State Naval War College as a Halsey Alfa Advanced Research Program Fellow. He graduated in November of 2024 with Highest Distinction and a Master of Arts in Defense and Strategic Studies.
Patrick returned to VFA-143 as the Executive Officer in September 2025.
Patrick has accumulated more than 2400 flight hours and over 500 Carrier arrested landings. His personal awards include the Air Medal (one Strike/Flight award), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (three awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two awards), and the 2023 Commander, Strike Fighter Wing Atlantic (CSFWL) Michael Longardt Leadership Award.