Squadron Augment Unit | VT-86

Commanding Officer

Commander McCarthy was born in Twentynine Palms, CA. The son of a career Marine Corps officer, he was raised on military bases across the country, graduating from high school in Rochester, NY. He received his commission from the United States Naval Academy in 2009, earning a Bachelor of Science in Quantitative Economics. Upon graduation, he attended primary flight training at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi with VT-28 and was then selected for jet training with VT-7 at Naval Air Station Meridian. He earned his wings in 2011 and was assigned to the "Flying Eagles" of Strike Fighter Squadron 122 for training in the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet.

CDR McCarthy reported to Strike Fighter Squadron 137 "Kestrels" stationed in Lemoore, CA. While serving as the squadron Schedules Officer, Aircraft Division Officer, and NATOPS Officer, he participated in the 2014 RIMPAC exercise embarked aboard the RONALD REAGAN (CVN 76) and the 2015 Southern Seas deployment aboard the GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73). During this time, he qualified as an F/A-18 mission commander, division lead, and section lead instructor.

In 2016, CDR McCarthy reported to VT-86 for instructor duty at Naval Air Station Pensacola, FL. From 2016 to 2019, he served in various capacities, including standardization instructor check pilot, CNATRA stage manager, NATOPS and instrument check pilot, maintenance Functional Check Flight pilot, and assistant operations officer. His last assignment was as the assistant director of the Flight Instructor Training Unit. CDR McCarthy received the 2017 Captain Jason Paynter "Esprit de Corps" award for leadership and was selected as both the squadron and Training Air Wing Six Instructor Pilot of the Year in 2018.

CDR McCarthy transitioned to the Navy Reserve in January 2020 and joined the Squadron Augment Unit with the Sabrehawks of VT-86. Here, he was recognized as the 2021 VT-86 Reserve Instructor of the Year while serving in the supply, training, safety, and administrative department head roles. He assumed command of the unit in December 2025.

CDR McCarthy has accumulated over 2,600 hours in various Navy aircraft and over 150 carrier arrested landings. His awards include two Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, four Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, and various other personal and unit awards.