Commander Bryce D. Abbott
CDR Bryce “Pawnshop” Abbott received his commission from the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD in 2003 where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering. Following the Naval Academy, CDR Abbott attended the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA, graduating in 2004 with a Master of Science degree in Systems Engineering.
CDR Abbott was designated a Naval Aviator in July 2006. Following flight school he received orders to the “Flying Eagles” of VFA-122 at NAS Lemoore, CA for F/A-18E/F Super Hornet training. CDR Abbott’s first operational fleet assignment was with the “Fighting Redcocks” of VFA-22 at NAS Lemoore from 2007 to 2010. During that time the squadron made multiple WestPac and North Arabian Sea deployments aboard USS RONALD REAGAN (CVN 76) as part of CARRIER AIR WING FOURTEEN (CVW-14) in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM (OEF). Additionally, the squadron deployed aboard USS CARL VINSON (CVN 70) as part of CARRIER AIR WING SEVENTEEN (CVW-17).
After selection for Test Pilot training, CDR Abbott attended the United States Naval Test Pilot School (USNTPS) at NAS Patuxent River, MD beginning in January 2011 as part of USNTPS Class 140. Upon designation as a Test Pilot in 2012, CDR Abbott reported to his next duty assignment as a Developmental Test Pilot and Project Officer with the “Dust Devils” of VX-31 at NAWS China Lake, CA.
Upon completion of his tour at VX-31 in April 2014, he reported as a Department Head to the “Bounty Hunters” of VFA-2 at NAS Lemoore. CDR Abbott flew with VFA-2 from 2014 to 2016 as part of CARRIER AIR WING TWO (CVW-2); during that time he embarked aboard USS RONALD REAGAN (CVN 76), USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73), and USS CARL VINSON (CVN 70).
In November 2016, CDR Abbott received orders back to VFA-122 at NAS Lemoore as the Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) Operations Officer.
In November 2019, CDR Abbott reported to the “Rampagers” of VFA-83 as the Executive Officer.
He has received multiple personal and unit awards thanks to the dedication of the Sailors with whom he has served.