Executive Officer
Cmdr. Sam Rykaczewski
Cmdr. Sam “R10” Rykaczewski is a native of Satellite Beach, Florida, and is a 2008 graduate of the United States Naval Academy. He was designated a Naval Aviator in 2010.
Cmdr. Rykaczewski’s operational assignments include tours with the “Fighting Checkmates” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 211 and the “Rampagers” of VFA-83. He deployed aboard Uss Enterprise (CVN 65) and USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) in support of Operations Enduring Freedom, Inherent Freedom, Inherent Resolve and Freedom Sentinel.
His shore assignments include tours as a Fleet Replacement Squadron instructor pilot with the “Gladiators” of VFA-106, a leadership instructor and company officer at the U.S. Naval Academy, and a lead Joint Exercise Planner on the staff of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command All-Domain Training and Exercise Directorate (J7).
He is a graduate of the University of Virginia Darden School of Business with a Master of Business Administration and the Joint Forces Staff College Joint and Combined Warfighting School.
Cmdr. Rykaczewski has accumulated more than 2,000 flight hours and 450 arrested landings in the F/A-18 Super Hornet. His personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal (Strike/Flight award), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (three awards), and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.