Commander, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8
Capt. David J. Dartez
A native of King William, Virginia, Captain David J. Dartez graduated from Virginia Tech in May 2001, earning two Bachelor of Science degrees in Aerospace and Ocean Engineering, as well as minor in Leadership Studies through the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets. He was commissioned through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps Program and reported to Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida for flight training in June 2001. He earned his Naval Aviator Wings in January 2004 from VT-7 in Meridian, Mississippi and reported to the Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 125 “Rough Raiders” for initial fleet training as an F/A-18 Hornet aviator.
He began his operational flying in January 2005 with the “Sidewinders” of VFA-86. He made two deployments aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65), participating in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. In March 2008, Captain Dartez reported back to VFA-125 “Rough Raiders” as a Fleet Replacement Squadron Instructor. He also served as the F/A-18 A-D Hornet Naval Air Training Operating Procedures Standardization Model Manager.
Captain Dartez returned operationally to the fleet as Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 Landing Signal Officer in October 2010 stationed in Virginia Beach, Virginia. He made two deployments aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), participating in Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, and New Dawn and was selected as the 2011 Commander “Bug” Roach Landing Signal Officer of the Year. He reported to VFA-83, the “Rampagers” for his Department Head tour in January 2013. He completed one deployment aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and was recognized as the 2015 Battle Efficiency Award recipient.
After earning a Master of Arts Degree in Defense and Strategic Studies in November 2016 from the Naval War College, Captain Dartez reported back to VFA-25, “Fist of the Fleet” as the Executive Officer. He took command in January 2019 leading the squadron through a 10-month combat deployment aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), supporting FIFTH Fleet operations, including Operations Freedom’s Sentinel and Inherent Resolve
After, he reported to the Office of the Secretary of Defense in the Pentagon to serve as Senior Military Evaluator, Air Warfare Systems, Director of Operational Test and Evaluation. Following his tour at the Pentagon, he returned to Virginia to start his training path to become Commander, Air Wing EIGHT. As Deputy Commander, he completed the maiden operational deployment onboard USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) supporting SIXTH Fleet operations. As of August 6, 2024, he has assumed command of CVW-8.
Captain Dartez has accumulated over 3,500 flight hours in 8 aircraft and 850 carrier arrested landings, including 75 combat missions. His awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Strike/Flight Air Medal (4 awards), Navy Commendation Medal (3 awards), Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal (3 awards) and various campaign, unit, and service awards