TW6 R.C. Leadership

Reserve Program Director

Cmdr. Michael "Chuck" Yeager hails from San Diego, California, and graduated from Oregon State University with a Bachelor of Science in construction engineering management in 2004. He commissioned through Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) program the same year. After being designated a Naval Aviator in 2006, Yeager qualified as aircraft commander in the P-3C Orion and deployed twice to Iraq with the "Golden Swordsmen" of Patrol Squadron (VP) 47 in Whidbey Island, Washington, in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.

Yeager then reported to the "Shooters" of Training Squadron (VT) 6 to instruct in the T-34C Mentor and T-6B Texan II. Returning back to the P-3C, Yeager qualified as Special Mission Aircraft Commander for Special Project Squadron (VPU) 2 from 2013 to 2015 deploying worldwide in support of the global war on terror.

Transitioning to Full Time Support (FTS), Yeager served as a department head of VT-6 from 2015 to 2018. He earned every qualification in the T-6B and was selected as the Training Air Wing 5 Fixed Wing Instructor Training Unit Operations (FITU) officer.

Yeager was selected to serve as safety officer on the Commander Naval Air Forces, Reserve's (CNAFR) staff from 2018 to 2020.

Yeager then reported to Training Air Wing Six Reserve Component in Pensacola, Florida, and currently serves as the Operational Support Officer.

Yeager has more than 3,500 flight hours while flying over 200 combat missions. His decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Strike Flight Air Medals, Navy Commendation Medals as well as other individual, campaign and unit awards.