Commander, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7
Capt. Martin N. Fentress Jr.
Capt. Martin N. Fentress, Jr., a native of Norfolk, Virginia, graduated from Hampden-Sydney College in 2000 with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. He received a commission through Officer Candidate School at Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, Florida in February 2001 and subsequently designated a Naval Flight Officer in December 2002. He received a Master’s of Business Administration from Naval Postgraduate School in 2021.
Fentress’ sea tours include Deputy Commander, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 from February 2023 to September 2024; Commanding Officer, Airborne Command & Control Squadron (VAW) 121 from May 2018 to September 2020; department head in Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 121 from June 2011 to November 2013; weapons tactics instructor in Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 124 from April 2009 to February 2011; division officer in VAW-124 from May 2003 to May 2006.
His shore tours include Commanding Officer, VAW-120 the E-2/C-2 Fleet Replacement Squadron from December 2021 to December 2022; head aviation assignments officer/commander TACAIR assignments officer at Navy Personnel Command (PERS43) from October 2020 to October 2021; executive officer of VAW-120 from December 2015 to October 2017; executive assistant to the Director, Resources Directorate, United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) from December 2013 to October 2015; instructor at Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN) and Naval Strike & Air Warfare Center Journal editor from June 2006 to January 2009.
Fentress has accumulated over 2,700 flight hours in the E-2, MH-60, F/A-18, EA-18 and F-16. His decorations include, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), Navy and Marine Corps Peer Leadership (three awards), and various campaign, unit, and service awards.