Squadron Augment Unit | VT-31

Commanding Officer

Cmdr. Caleb Booher is from Bristol, Tennessee, and graduated from the University of North Carolina in 2004 with a Bachelor of Arts in peace, war and defense. Upon commissioning through Reserve Officers' Training Corps, he began aviation training and was designated a Naval Aviator in 2006. Following Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) training in the P-3C at Naval Air Station (NAS) Jacksonville, Florida, with Patrol (VP) Squadron 30, Booher reported to the "Screamin' Eagles" of VP-1 at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington. He served as aircraft division officer, flight engineer division officer, and flight officer, earning qualification as a P-3C Orion Patrol Plane Mission Commander. While assigned to VP-1, Booher completed three deployments to the Pacific Fleet area of operations and flew missions in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.

In 2012, Booher reported to the "Boomers" of Training Squadron 27 at NAS Corpus Christi, Texas. He served as public affairs officer, aviation safety officer, and assistant safety department head. Booher instructed in both the T-34C Turbo Mentor and the T-6B Texan II aircraft, qualifying as a standardization instructor pilot, flight instructor training unit pilot, and crew resource management instructor.

In 2015, Booher transitioned to the Navy's Full Time Support (FTS) community and reported to the "Stingrays" of VT-35 Training Squadron at NAS Corpus Christi. He served as the reserve department head, training department head, and operations department head. Booher instructed in both the TC-12B Huron and the T-44B Pegasus, qualifying as a standardization instructor pilot, flight instructor training unit pilot, and crew resource management instructor.

While assigned to VT-35, Booher volunteered as the executive officer of the South Texas Aviator Memorial Association and helped raise more than $150,000 toward the construction of Corpus Christi's Aviator Memorial statue and walkway on Ocean Drive.

In 2018, following his department head tour, Booher reported to Training Wing (TAW) Four as the operational support officer, responsible for managing manning, pay, and administration of the TW-4 Reserve Component.

In 2021, Booher joined the Selected Reserves at VT-35. In his civilian career, he flew the Boeing 747 with Atlas Air and currently, the Boeing 777 with FedEx. He is based out of Anchorage, Alaska, and lives in Corpus Christi.

Booher has accumulated more than 4,100 military flight hours and achieved instructor qualification in the T-34C, T-6B, T-44C, and TC-12B. His personal awards include the Navy Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement medal, and numerous service and campaign ribbons.