VT-27 Leadership

Commanding Officer

Commander Tom Younghans is a native of North Platte, Nebraska. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in May of 2006 with a Bachelor of Science in Weapons and Systems Engineering and was designated a Naval Aviator in January 2008 in Corpus Christi, TX.

CDR Younghans began operational flying in September 2008 with the "World Watchers" of Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron ONE (VQ-1) in Whidbey Island, WA. He conducted five combat and two sensitive reconnaissance operations detachments, deploying as an EP-3E Aires II aircraft and mission commander in the 5th, 6th, and 7th fleet area of operations (AOR). He reported for his disassociated sea duty tour in October 2015 with the “Wizards” of Patrol Squadron Special Projects Unit TWO (VPU-2) in Kaneohe Bay, HI. He served as special mission aircraft instructor and mission commander in the SP-3 and conducted six combat detachments to various locations in the 5th fleet AOR.

His shore assignments include tours in Corpus Christi, TX as a T-44A/C muti-engine instructor pilot with the "Wise Owls" of Training Squadron THREE ONE (VT-31) in February 2012 and as a Department Head with the "Stingrays" of Training Squadron THREE FIVE (VT-35) in November of 2017. He was selected for re-designation as a Training and Administration of the Reserves (TAR) officer and reported in June 2020 to Commander, Naval Air Force Reserve (CNAFR) in Norfolk, VA as the Chief of Naval Air Training (CNATRA) program manager.

CDR Younghans has accumulated over 4,900 mishap-free flight hours, including 262 combat missions in support of Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, Inherent Resolve and New Dawn. His personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal (8 awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (3 awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2 awards), and other various service, campaign and unit awards.