CAG
Capt. Patrick Hourigan

Capt. Patrick “BC” Hourigan is a native of Mountaintop, Pennsylvania. He graduated from the Naval Academy in 1998, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in History, and was designated a naval aviator in Aug. 2000.

In Sept. 2001, Hourigan began operational flying with the “Kestrels” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 137 and deployed aboard USS Constellation (CV 64), supporting Operations Southern Watch and Iraqi Freedom.

Hourigan reported to Strike Fighter Weapons School Pacific (SFWSPAC), the “Outlaws,” in Sept. 2004 and graduated from TOPGUN in March 2005. Returning to the fleet in May 2007, Hourigan forward deployed to Atsugi, Japan and joined the VFA-27, the “Royal Maces,” as training officer where he completed two at sea periods aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) and USS George Washington (CVN 73), participating in numerous exercises including Valiant Shield, Rim of the Pacific, and Talismen Saber.

In 2009 Hourigan joined the VFA-146, the “Blue Diamonds,” as a department head, deploying aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) and USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), and participating in Operations Tomdachi, Enduring Freedom, and New Dawn. Hourigan attended the U.S. Navy War College in Newport, Rhode Island and graduated with distinction, earning a Master of Arts Degree in National Security Studies. From 2012-1014, he served as an action officer in the J-5 Directorate at NORAD-USNORTCHOM. He also flew missions with the NORAD Inspector General team conducting inspections of Air National Guard alert facilities.

In May 2015, he reported to the VFA-151, the “Vigilantes,” as executive officer and assumed command in July 2016. During his time in command, the squadron completed a Western Pacific deployment aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). The squadron received back-to-back nominations from Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9 for the Battle “E” and was awarded the LTJG Bruce Carrier Award recognizing the best Maintenance Department in Strike Fighter Wing Pacific.

Following squadron command, Hourigan spent a year as a legislative fellow, assigned to the staff of Senator Tim Kaine. He then served as the deputy director of the Navy’s JSF Fleet Integration Office, where he worked closely with the Joint Program Office and Industry to ensure the F-35C met all requirements and milestones for IOC and the upcoming first deployment.

Hourigan reported to CVW-1 as deputy commander in July 2020, and assumed command in Dec. 2021.

Hourigan has accumulated over 2,700 flight hours in the F/A-18 A-F and more than 700 carrier arrested landings, including 40+ combat missions. His awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Strike/Flight Air Medal (two awards), Navy Commendation Medal (four awards, one with combat “V”), Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two awards) and numerous personal, unit, campaign, and service awards.