Squadron Augment Unit | VT-9

Commanding Officer

CDR Rob "Shy Ronnie" Lowery, a native of Florissant, Missouri, earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from St. Louis University in 2007 and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in 2017. Lowery was commissioned through Officer Candidate School (OCS) in Newport, RI and reported to NAS Pensacola, FL for flight training in March 2008. He was designated a Naval Aviator in March 2010 from the "Tigers" of Training Squadron (VT) 9 at Naval Air Station (NAS) Meridian, MS, graduating #1 in his class, earning the "Golden Stick" and "Top Hook" awards.

After completing Fleet Replacement Pilot Training in the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet with Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 106 at Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia – graduating #1 in his class earning "Top Hook" and "Top Stick" honors, Lowery reported to the "World Class" Diamondbacks of VFA-102 at Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan. While assigned to the Diamondbacks, he completed three deployments in the Western Pacific with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) Five aboard the USS George Washington (CVN-73). During his time at VFA-102, Lowery served as Head Landing Signal Officer (LSO), Aircraft Division Officer, and Air to Surface Weapons Tactics Officer (WTO).

In 2014, Lowery returned to the "Tigers" of VT-9 at NAS Meridian, Mississippi as an instructor in the T-45C Goshawk. At VT-9, Lowery served as Administrative Department Head, Basic Fighter Maneuvers (BFM) Stage Head, and Training Landing Signal Officer. He was designated the NATOPS instructor for the squadron, standardization instructor in eleven stages of training, and carrier qualification (CQ) lead safe.

Lowery left active duty in 2018 joining the "Salty Dogs" of Training Air Wing One's reserve component. As a reservist, Lowery served as Standardization Officer, Training Officer, and Executive Officer while completing US Air Force Air Command and Staff College. He assumed command of the VT-9 Squadron Augment Unit (SAU) in November 2025.

Lowery accumulated over 7.500 flight hours, 2.900 hours in Naval aircraft including 326 carrier arrested landings. His decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2 awards), and various unit and service awards.