TW6 R.C. Leadership

Commander

A native of Bonner Springs, Kansas, Commander Gibson graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2004, where he earned a commission and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. In June of 2004, CDR Gibson reported to NAS Pensacola, FL to begin flight training. After primary flight training with the “Shooters” of VT-6 and advanced flight training with the “Golden Eagles” of VT-22, CDR Gibson earned his “Wings of Gold” in November of 2007. In December 2007, CDR Gibson reported to the “Flying Eagles” of VFA-122 for initial fleet training in the FA-18 Super Hornet.

CDR Gibson began his operational flying in October 2008 with the “Black Aces” of VFA-41 at NAS Lemoore, CA and completed two deployments aboard the USS NIMITZ (CVN 68) and USS JOHN C STENNIS (CVN 74) participating in Operations ENDURING FREEDOM and NEW DAWN. During this tour, CDR Gibson served as the mission planning officer, avionics/armaments division officer, and air-to-air weapons and tactics officer.

CDR Gibson then reported to the “Sun Downers” of VFC-111 at NAS Key West, FL in March 2012 to begin his tour as an adversary pilot flying the F-5N Tiger II. During this tour he served as the threat aircraft subject matter expert, graduated from the Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN) adversary course, and was selected as the “Sun Downers” Instructor Pilot of the Year for 2014.

Before completing his active-duty career, CDR Gibson reported to US FIFTH Fleet Command in June 2015 at NSA Bahrain for a brief tour in the future operations department. CDR Gibson transitioned to the Navy Reserves and subsequently returned to VFC-111 for his department head tour in January 2016. During this tour, he served as training officer, administration officer, and operations officer.

Following his department head tour, CDR Gibson was selected for squadron command, assumed the Executive Officer position in February 2022, and ultimately assumed VFC-111 Command in April 2023. Following his command tour, CDR Gibson reported to the SEVENTH Fleet Naval and Amphibious Liaison Element in December 2024 where he served as the Headquarters unit Training Officer. Finally, CDR Gibson was selected for Reserve Component Command in May 2025.