TW1 R.C. Leadership

Commander

Captain Derek "Baffle" Ashlock earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Missouri Western and was commissioned in 1988. Following flight school at NAS Whiting Field, Florida and NAS Kingsville, TX, he was awarded his wings of gold and designated a Naval Aviator in April of 1991. Captain Ashlock then reported to Strike Fighter Squadron 125 at NAS Lemoore, California for training in the F/A-18 Hornet.

Captain Ashlock's initial fleet assignment was with the Mighty Shrikes of VFA-94 flying F/A-18 Lot XII Hornets where he deployed twice aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln CVN-72 and once aboard the USS Kitty Hawk CV-63 where he served as the NATOPS Officer, Line Division Officer, Air-to-Air Weapons Training Officer and Safety Department Head. During this time, the Mighty Shrikes deployed to the Persian Gulf and flew combat missions in support of Operation Southern Watch enforcing the Iraqi no-fly zone and UNOSOM II- Task Force Ranger Battle of Mogadishu. After his third deployment, Captain Ashlock was selected to become an Instructor Pilot at the Fleet Replenishment Squadron, Strike Fighter Squadron 125 where he served as the Head Schedules Officer, Low-Altitude Night-Vision Program Manager and F/A-18 Hornet Model Manager.

Eleven years after leaving active duty service, Captain Ashlock entered the Naval Reserve where he served at Carrier Strike Group 5 before being selected as a Selected Reservist (SELRES) at VR-46 flying the C-9B Skytrain, both at NAS JRB Fort Worth, TX. Upon disestablishment of VR-46, Captain Ashlock was selected as an Instructor Pilot at VT-21 flying the T-45 Goshawk in Kingsville, TX. Captain Ashlock then joined VFC-111 in Key West, FL where served as the Safety Officer, Training Officer, Administration Officer and Operations Officer. In March of 2017, Captain Ashlock was selected for command of VFC-111 and additionally served as both Executive Officer and Commanding Officer.

Captain Ashlock has accumulated over 11,000 flying hours with over 3,500 in fighter aircraft, 535 arrested landings and 48 combat sorties. He is a graduate of the U.S Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN) Adversary class and has been awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, the Navy Achievement Medal as well as numerous other personal and unit awards. Captain Ashlock is currently the Reserve Component Commander and Deputy Commodore at Training Wing One in Meridian, MS.