VT-3 Leadership

Executive Officer

Commander Kyle Hooker, a native of Burke, Virginia, was commissioned in 2009 through the U.S. Naval Academy, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. He was designated a naval aviator in 2011 and later completed a Master of Science in Aeronautics with a concentration in Aviation Leadership from Liberty University in 2023.

CDR Hooker began his operational flying with the "Fighting Marlins" of Patrol Squadron VP 40 at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington. He completed multiple deployments to the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleets in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.

In 2015, he reported to the Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Weapons School, where he served as a Weapons and Tactics Instructor Pilot. During this tour, he led multiple Fleet Instructor and Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) courses, training the next generation of maritime patrol instructors.

In 2018, CDR Hooker reported aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68), where he served as V-4 Division Officer and Aircraft Launch and Recovery Officer ( "Shooter"). During this tour, he earned his Command Duty Officer Underway qualification.

In 2020, he returned to flight operations as a department head with the "Mad Foxes" of VP 5, assigned to Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing ELEVEN. He deployed twice to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility and held roles including Tactics Officer, NATOPS Officer, multiple detachment Officer-in-Charge (OIC), and Maintenance Officer.

In 2022, CDR Hooker reported to the Office of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, J-5 Middle East & Africa Directorate. He served as the Country Desk Officer for Coastal West Africa and later as Executive Assistant to the Deputy Director, managing a portfolio of 74 countries.

An accomplished endurance athlete, CDR Hooker has competed 13 times with the All-Navy Triathlon Team at NAS Point Mugu, leading the team to multiple national championships and earning seven individual titles.

He has logged more than 2,000 flight hours in multiple aircraft platforms. His personal decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, three Navy Commendation Medals, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and various unit, campaign, and service awards.