CAG
Capt. Mitchell "Bomber" McCallister

Capt. Mitchell McCallister, a native of Shreveport, Louisiana, is a 1998 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy with a bachelor’s degree in Systems Engineering.  In 2000, he earned his “Wings of Gold” as a naval aviator and reported to the “Grim Reapers” of Fighter Squadron (VF) 101 for initial training in the F-14 Tomcat.
 
On September 11, 2001, he reported to the “Fighting Checkmates” of VF-211, flying the F-14A.  While assigned to VF-211, he deployed immediately after the 9/11 attacks flying combat sorties from USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.  He deployed a second time with the Checkmates aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65) supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
 
Subsequently, he reported to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 122, where he transitioned to the FA-18E/F Super Hornet and remained for assignment as an instructor pilot.  While assigned to VFA-122, he served as the carrier qualification phase head.  In 2007, he reported to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8 as staff landing signal officer (LSO), completing a deployment aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). During his Carrier Air Group Paddles tour, he was the recipient of the 2008 “Cmdr. John ‘Bug’ Roach LSO of the Year” Award.  In 2009, he reported to the “Fighting Blacklions” of VFA-213 as a department head, participating in the maiden deployment of the USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77).
 
In 2012, McCallister received orders to the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island, earning a master’s degree in National Security and Strategic Studies, graduating with highest distinction. Upon graduation, he reported to the Joint Force Coordinator Division, Regional Operations and Force Management Directorate (J35), the joint staff.  While assigned to the J35, he served as a chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, orders writer, and joint working group lead.
 
In July 2015, McCallister reported to VFA-105 as the executive officer.  He completed a combat deployment aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) in support of Operation Inherent Resolve and assumed command of the “Gunslingers” in December 2016.  In May 2018, he reported to Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic where he served as the director of air wing training and readiness (N40), and as executive assistant to the commander.  In December 2020, McCallister reported to CVW-3 as the deputy commander. McCallister assumed the duties of Commander, Carrier Air Wing 3 on June 17, 2022.
 
McCallister has accumulated over 3,500 flight hours, 900 arrested landings, and 115 combat missions.