Squadron Augment Unit | VT-9

Commanding Officer

Cmdr. Anthony "Backbeard" Clay, a native of Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, earned a mechanical engineering degree from the United States Naval Academy and commissioned in May 2007. He was designated a Naval Aviator in July 2009 from the "Golden Eagles" of Training Squadron (VT) 22 at Naval Air Station (NAS) Kingsville, Texas.

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, Clay reported to the "Diamondbacks" of VFA-102. While assigned to the Diamondbacks, he was part of four deployments with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) Five aboard USS George Washington (CVN-73). During his time with VFA-102, Clay served as ADP officer, schedules officer, line division officer, air-to-surface weapons training officer, and a forward air controller airborne (FAC-A).

In 2013, Clay reported to the "Tigers" of VT-9 at NAS Meridian, Mississippi, as an instructor in the T-45C Goshawk. While there, Clay served as NATOPS Officer, carrier detachment coordinator, and basic fighter maneuvers stage head. Additionally, he was designated as the NATOPS instructor for the squadron as well as a standardization pilot in multiple instructional stages. During his tour he was selected as the VT-9 instructor of the year (2015).

Clay left active duty in 2017 and joined the "Salty Dogs" of Training Air Wing One's reserve component. As a reservist, Clay served as the safety and operations officer. He assumed command of VT-9's Squadron Augment Unit (SAU) in January of 2023.

Clay has flown over 2,700 hours in Naval Aircraft with more than 400 carrier-arrested landings. Personal decorations include Navy Achievement Medal (3 awards) and various unit awards.