TW1 R.C. Leadership

Commander

CAPT Darby "TP" Gray is a native of Houston, Texas, and was the first graduate of the NROTC unit at the University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida. He commissioned in 2004 with a Bachelors of Arts in Political Science and reported to the "Red Knights" of Training Squadron THREE (VT-3) at Naval Air Station (NAS) Whiting Field, Florida for primary training in the T-34C Turbomentor. Jet training in the T-45C Goshawk with Training Squadron SEVEN (VT-7) at NAS Meridian, MS resulted in him earning his wings in 2007 and selection for F/A-18E/F Super Hornet training with Strike Fighter Squadron ONE TWO TWO (VFA-122) at NAS Lemoore, CA.

In January 2008, CAPT Gray joined the "Fighting Redcocks" of Strike Fighter Squadron TWO TWO (VFA-22) and completed three combat deployments in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom aboard the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) and USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70).

CAPT Gray returned to Lemoore in April 2011 and joined the "Flying Eagles" of VFA-122 as an instructor pilot, serving as Schedules, NATOPS, and Future Plans Officer. He earned an Executive Master in Business Administration degree from the Navy Post Graduate School prior to departing in February 2014 for a one year disassociated tour in Manama, Bahrain. He served in the Theater Security Cooperation office, managing mil-to-mil interactions with Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt, and Kuwait.

Returning to Lemoore in February 2015, CAPT Gray quickly requalified in the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and joined the "Black Aces" of Strike Fighter Squadron FOUR ONE (VFA-41) as a Department Head. He deployed to the South China Sea in 2016 and participated in RIMPAC aboard the USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74), earning Top Hook honors twice and completing Joint Professional Military Education I via the Naval War College while serving as the Safety, Administration, and Operations Officer.

Prior to leaving Active Duty, CAPT Gray served as the Coffee Mess, Safety, Strike Ops, and Assistant Operations Officer of Carrier Air Wing NINE (CVW-9). He departed NAS Lemoore and joined the Naval Reserve in May 2018. In December 2018, he became an instructor pilot with the Training Squadron TWO ONE (VT-21) Squadron Augment Unit (SAU) in Kingsville, TX and served for over two years as the Safety and Operations Officer. In July 2021, CAPT Gray was selected to be the Commanding Officer of the VT-22 SAU and completed his 32-month command tour in April 2024. He assumed command of the Training Wing ONE Salty Dogs as the Reserve Component Commander in April 2024.

CAPT Gray has accumulated over 2,900 flight hours and 530 arrested landings in naval aircraft. His decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with Strike/Flight numeral 2, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (4), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (3), and various unit and campaign awards.