Commanding Officer
Cmdr. T.J. Young
Cmdr. T.J. Young, a native of Gloucester Township, New Jersey, graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics. After being designated as a naval aviator in February 2008, Young reported to the “Sharpshooters” of Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron (VMFAT) 101 for initial flight training in the F/A-18 Hornet.
In June 2009, Young reported to Naval Air Station Lemoore to join the “Mighty Shrikes" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 94. With VFA-94, he completed two tactical air integration deployments to Iwakuni, Japan, via the U.S. Marine Corps’ Unit Deployment Program in support of Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 12. Following this tour, Young reported to VFA-106 and served as a F/A-18 instructor from 2012 to 2015.
In 2015, Young participated in Combat Dragon II, a U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) sponsored limited objective experiment assessing the operational capability of the OV-10G+ aircraft in an expeditionary environment. Young forward deployed to the CENTCOM area of responsibility and executed reduced signature missions in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.
Young then reported to the United States Naval War College in January 2016, where he graduated with highest distinction and earned a Master of Arts in Defense and Strategic Studies. In June 2017, Young joined the “Ragin’ Bulls” of VFA-37 as a department head and deployed with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8 aboard USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. While with VFA-37, Young managed the squadron’s transition from the F/A-18C to the F/A-18E. During the fall of 2019, Young was attached to VFA-115 where he completed a western Pacific patrol aboard USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). After his department head tour, Young reported to Navy Personnel Command in Millington, Tennessee, and served as VFA East Placement Officer from January 2020 to July 2021.
Young has accumulated over 2,300 flight hours in a variety of platforms. His personal awards include the Strike/Flight Air Medal, Joint Commendation Medal, and various unit and campaign awards.