CNATRA Leadership

Deputy Commander / Chief of Staff

Capt. Jeremy Rifas is a native of Davis, California, and graduated from the University of Colorado with a Bachelor of Science in international business in 1996. He completed initial carrier qualification in the T-2C Buckeye and was designated a naval aviator in March 1999. In January 2000, he completed initial training in the E-2C Hawkeye.

In his first operational tour with the "Tigertails" of Airborne Command & Control Squadron (VAW) 125, he deployed aboard USS George Washington in support of Operations Southern Watch, Noble Eagle, and Enduring Freedom.

As a T-45 instructor with the "Golden Eagles" of Training Squadron (VT) 22, his duties included squadron production officer, first-ever Chief of Naval Air Training (CNATRA) E-2/C-2 standardization officer, and landing signals officer.

For his disassociated sea tour, he served as aide-de-camp to the Commander, Joint Command Lisbon/U.S. Sixth Fleet/Strike Force NATO/NATO Response Force/Joint Forces Maritime Component Command - Europe/Deputy Commander - Naval Forces Europe in Lisbon, Portugal.

Following a tour as the assistant training officer and Hawkeye instructor pilot with VAW-120, the E-2/C-2 Fleet Replacement Squadron, he joined the "Sunkings" of VAW-116 and deployed aboard USS Abraham Lincoln in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.

His joint tour was at the United States Special Operations Command as the Chief of Current Special Operations (J-33) for Europe and NATO as well as assistant to the Chief of Current Special Operations for Africa.

As commanding officer, he led the "Black Eagles" of VAW-113, deploying aboard USS Ronald Reagan in support of Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) and aboard USS George Washington in support of Southern Seas.

He then served as Air Boss aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, deploying in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.

Rifas then served as the N75 at United States Fleet Forces Command – Director of US/UK Interoperability, Fleet Battle Problem and Large Scale Exercise (LSE) 2020.

From June 2020 to June 2022, Rifas served as Commander, Training Air Wing FOUR.

Rifas currently serves as the deputy commander/chief of staff for Chief of Naval Air Training (CNATRA) in Corpus Christi, Texas.

He is a fully qualified Joint Officer and earned his master's degree in national security and strategic studies as well as full Joint Professional Military Education from the U.S. Naval War College.

His awards include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (2), Air Medal (4), Joint Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Joint Achievement Medal, Navy Achievement Medal (3 awards), Top Hook, and various other campaign and unit awards. He has over 3,000 flight hours and 650 carrier arrested landings.