Commander, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3
Capt. James "Spacecamp" Huddelston
Capt. Huddleston graduated from the United States Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science degree in physics. He was designated a Naval Aviator in February 2005, going on to fly the FA-18E/F Super Hornet aircraft as well as the F/A-18C Hornet and F-16A Fighting Falcon aircraft.
Huddleston’s operational assignments include tours with the “Bounty Hunters” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 2, the “Blue Blasters” of VFA-34, the “Rampagers” of VFA-83, and as the Commanding Officer of VFA-211. He has cruised aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) and USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) in support of numerous operations to include Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, Inherent Resolve, Freedom’s Sentinel, and Yukon Lightning.
Huddleston is a graduate of the United States Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN) in Fallon, Nevada, and remained there for an instructor tour. He completed additional shore assignments as the training officer of VFA-106, Executive Assistant to Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic, and then returned to VFA-106 as the Commanding Officer. During these tours he obtained an MBA from the Raymond A. Mason School of Business at the College of William & Mary. Following his tour at VFA-106, he was assigned to the Joint Staff (J7) in the Joint Exercise Division, serving as a Team Chief for the Russia-Ukraine Crisis Management Team in the J33.
He reported to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3 as Deputy Commander in December 2023 aboard the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower prior to beginning combat operations. He then supported CVW-3 in the execution of operations Inherent Resolve, Yukon Lightning, Poseidon Archer, and Prosperity Guardian from the Red Sea.
Huddleston now serves as the Commander of CVW-3 as of June 2025.
Huddleston has over 3,900 flight hours and over 750 arrested landings.