Squadron Augment Unit | VT-86

Commanding Officer

Cmdr. Clayton Kirk was born and raised in Granite Quarry, North Carolina. He earned his commission through Navy ROTC, graduating from North Carolina State University in 2002 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and Finance. Upon his commission, he reported to Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida, for flight training and subsequently designated as a naval flight officer in October 2004. In March 2005, Kirk reported to the "Vikings" of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 129 NAS Whidbey Island, Washington, for initial training as an EA-6B Prowler electronic countermeasures officer.

Kirk reported to the "Black Ravens" of VAQ-135 in January 2006. He made two deployments aboard aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN-68), attached to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. During this time, he served as the legal officer, schedules officer, AV/ARM division officer, and safety officer.

In 2009, Kirk transferred to the "Sabrehawks" of Training Squadron 86 (VT-86) to be a Naval Flight Officer Instructor in the T-39 Sabreliner. During this time, he graduated from Aviation Safety Officer School and served as the schedules officer, aviation safety officer, and assistant operations officer.

In 2012, Kirk reported to U.S. Special Operations Command Central (SOCCENT) FWD, Al Udeid AFB, Qatar for a Global War on Terrorism Support Assignment. While assigned to SOCCENT FWD he served as the J3 Electronic Warfare Officer in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

In 2013, Kirk transferred back to VT-86 and served as the strike stage manager and subsequently became a Selected Reservist Officer in the Naval Reserve and reported to the VT-86 Squadron Augment Unit (SAU). Kirk has held positions in the VT-86 SAU as T-39 NATOPS officer, administration officer, standardization officer, operations officer, and executive officer.

In his civilian career, Kirk is a Sales Engineer for Siemens Industry, Smart Infrastructure, providing solutions in the Low and Medium Voltage construction market.

CDR Kirk has accumulated over 1,600 hours in various Navy aircraft and has over 200 carrier arrested landings. His awards include the Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (3 awards), and various personal and unit awards.