TW5 R.C. Leadership

Reserve Program Director

Commander Stephen J. Watson is a native of Ft. Worth, TX. He was enlisted in the U.S. Air Force as an Air Traffic Controller from June 2001 – June 2005. He graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with a B.S. in Aeronautics in 2007, and graduated Officer Candidate School 2008. Upon commissioning, he completed primary flight training in Corpus Christi, TX, and advanced helicopter training at Naval Air Station Whiting Field, FL.

After being designated a Naval Aviator in 2010, he reported to the Norfolk based "Blackhawks" of Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron FIFTEEN (HM-15), completing two deployments to the Middle East.

In 2014, CDR Watson attended the Navy School of Aviation Safety in Pensacola, FL. He then reported to HM-12 for duty as an Fleet Replacement Squadron helicopter flight instructor. During his instructor tour, CDR Watson earned his MBA in Finance from Syracuse University.

At the completion of his production tour in 2017, CDR Watson again reported to HM-15 for tour as the Operations and Safety Department Head, during which time he completed another Middle East deployment.

In November 2019, he reported to Commander, Navy Reserve Force (CNRF) where he served as BSO72's POM Director and Navy and Marine Corp Reserve Aviation Budget Director. During this tour, he earned his Defense Certified Financial Management Level II certification.

In 2022, CDR Watson joined Navy Expeditionary Combat Command, where he served as a strategic planner for Indo-Pacific OPLANs.

CDR Watson is currently assigned to Training Wing 5, where he serves as the Reserve Program Director and is working on his T-6B Texan instructor certification. Awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (2nd award), Navy Achievement Medal (3rd award), Air Force Achievement Medal, along with various campaign and service awards.