Squadron Augment Unit | VT-7

Commanding Officer

Commander Joe "Jinro" Burns, a native of Morgantown, West Virginia, earned a degree in Systems Engineering from the US Naval Academy and received his commissioned in 2005. Following flight training at the 33FTS at Vance Air Force Base, CDR Burns was designated a Naval Aviator in May 2008 from the "Tigers" of Training Squadron SEVEN at Naval Air Station Meridian.

After winging, CDR Burns reported to Fleet Replacement Pilot Traiing in the F/A-18C Hornet with the "Gladiators" of Strike-Fighter Squadron ONE ZERO SIX (VFA-106) at NAS Oceana, VA. CDR Burns subsequently reported to the "Sidewinders" of Strike Fighter Squadron EIGHT SIX (VFA-86) at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Beaufort, South Carolina. While attached to VFA-86, CDR Burns deployed with Carrier Air Wing ELEVEN (CVW-11) aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN-68) in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM. After completing this deployment, he assisted VFA-86 with a homeport change to NAS Lemoore, California and subsequently transitioned to the F/A-18E Super Hornet. During his time, CDR Burns served as Line Division Officer, Schedules Officer, Quality Assurance Officer and NATOPS Officer and qualified as an F/A-18 Combat Division Lead and Functional Check Flight (FCF) pilot.

In 2012, CDR Burns reported to the "Eagles" of Training Squadron SEVEN (VT-7) at NAS Meridian, Mississippi for duty as a T-45 Goshawk instructor pilot. While there, he served as Carrier Qualification Detachment Coordinator, NATOPS Officer and Basic Fighter Maneuvers (BFM) and Out-of Control Flight (OCF) stage head. CDR Burns left active duty in 2016 and joined the TW-1 Reserve "Salty Dogs," joining the VT-7 SAU where he has served as the Command Fitness Leader, Training Officer, Operations Officer and Executive Officer.

CDR Burns has flown over 3,100 hours in Naval Aircraft with more than 350 carrier-arrested landings. Personal decorations include the Air Medal (Strike/Flight), Navy Commendation Medal (2 awards), Navy Achievement Medal (3 awards), and various unit awards.