Commanding Officer 
Cmdr. Michael "Slayer" Farley

Cmdr. Michael Farley, from Danville, Virginia, graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2006 with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. He completed flight training in Kingsville, Texas, and was winged as a naval aviator in January 2009.
 
Following initial training in the F/A-18C Hornet, Farley completed his first operational assignment with the "Warhawks" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 97, deploying three times between 2009 and 2013 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation New Dawn.  Following a tour as an instructor pilot in VFA-106, he deployed in 2015 in support of Operation Inherent Resolve with the "Jolly Rogers" of VFA-103.  He then reported to the "Rampagers" of VFA-83 as an aviation department head in 2016.
 
Following his department head tour, Farley was assigned to the Joint Staff, J-35 directorate from 2019 to 2021, serving as the operations officer for the Regional Operations and Force Management Deputy Directorate.
 
Farley reported to VFA-81 as the executive officer in January 2022 and assumed command in May 2023.
 
He has accumulated over 2,600 flight hours and 550 carrier landings in the F/A-18A-F Hornet and Super Hornet.  His decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, three Strike/Flight Air Medals, and various other personal, unit, and campaign awards.