Commanding Officer
Cmdr. Joshua A. Calandra
A native of Houston, Texas, Cmdr. Joshua Calandra graduated from Texas A&M University in 2006 and commissioned through the NROTC program. He earned his naval flight officer wings in 2008 after completing flight training at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas.
In 2008, he reported to the “Screaming Eagles” of Patrol Squadron (VP) 1 in Oak Harbor, Washington. While at VP-1, he obtained qualifications as tactical coordinator, mission commander, and instructor tactical coordinator. He completed one deployment to the 5th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR) in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom and to the 7th Fleet AOR.
In 2012, Calandra completed the Weapons and Tactics Course prior to reporting to Commander Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing (CPRW) 2. He served as a weapons and tactics instructor in the Weapons and Tactics Unit and qualified crews prior to their operational deployments.
In December 2014, he reported to the USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) as a “shooter”. While aboard, he served as the V-3 division officer, V-5 division officer, and air department administrative officer. He completed a six month Western Pacific/Arabian Sea deployment in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, and two months of a Western Pacific deployment.
Following his CVN tour, Calandra reported as department head at Special Projects Patrol Squadron (VPU) 2 in Kailua, Hawaii, where he served as the configurations officer, training officer, and operations officer. He completed four operational deployments during his tour in VPU-2 including three as officer in charge to the 5th and 6th Fleet AORs in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Inherent Resolve.
In November 2019, Calandra reported to Task Force (CTF) 67 in Sigonella, Sicily. He served as the N5- plans and exercises officer, where he oversaw the planning and execution of deployed forces supporting major multi-national exercises.
Calandra took command of Fleet Area Control and Surveillance Facility, Virginia Capes in May 2023.
His personal awards include an Air Medal (Strike/Flight 2 awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (3 awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2 awards) as well as various unit and service awards.