Commanding Officer
Cmdr. Robert W. Mize
Cmdr. Robert W. Mize is the Commanding Officer at Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 31 at Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia. He is a native of Coral Springs, Florida and a 2007 graduate of the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering.
Designated a Naval Aviator in November 2009, he reported to the “Sharpshooters” of VMFAT-101 for pilot training in the F/A-18 Hornet.
In August 2011, Mize reported to the “Mighty Shrikes” of VFA-94, deployed to MCAS Iwakuni, Japan on the Navy’s last Unit Deployment Program (UDP) in support of Marine Aircraft Group Twelve (MAG-12). Following the last UDP, VFA-94 joined Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 and would deploy and fly combat missions in support of Operation Inherent Resolve aboard the USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70).
In November 2014, Mize reported to VFA-122 as an F/A-18 instructor pilot. While at VFA-122, Mize was the Transition Phase Head, OCF Standardization Officer, and Training Qualified Landing Signal Officer (LSO).
Mize returned to the fleet as CVW-17 Staff LSO aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71), where he deployed and was responsible for the safe and expeditious recovery of aircraft. During that deployment, he flew combat sorties in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. In October 2018, Mize reported to the “Ragin’ Bulls” of VFA-37 and was the maintenance officer and operations officer during the CVW-8 draw down and fleet support operations.
Post department head tour, Mize reported to the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island, where he received a Master of Arts Degree in Defense and Strategic Studies in November 2021. Following completion of the Naval War College tour, Mize attended the Joint and Combined Warfighting School at the Joint Forces Staff College in Norfolk, Virginia.
Mize has accumulated over 1,800 flight-hours and more than 300 carrier landings. His personal decorations include Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and various campaign and unit awards.