Squadron Augment Unit | VT-86

Commanding Officer

Born in Saratoga Springs, NY and raised in Williamsburg, VA, CDR Ken Dittig received his commission from the Virginia Polytechnic and State University in 2005, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. Upon graduation, he reported to Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida, for flight training and earned his wings of gold in February 2008. Dittig then reported to the "Gladiators" of VFA-106 in Virginia Beach, Virginia, for initial training as a F/A-18E/F Strike Fighter pilot.

In 2009, Dittig reported to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 102 "Diamondbacks" embarked aboard the GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73), attached to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5. During this time, he served as Line Division Officer, Public Affairs Officer, and Air-to-Ground Training Officer. He earned his Forward Air Controller (Airborne) and Mission Commander qualifications, completing multiple deployments.

In 2012, Dittig reported to the "Sabrehawks" of Training Squadron (VT) 86 to serve as an instructor in the T-45C Goshawk. From 2012 to 2015 he served in various capacities including Standardization Instructor Check Pilot, NATOPS and Instrument Check Pilot, and Schedules Officer. He received the Captain Jason Paynter "Esprit de Corps" award in 2013 and was selected as the VT-86 and CTW-6 Instructor Pilot of the Year in 2014.

In 2015, Dittig transferred to SEAL Team THREE at NAB Coronado, California. He served as the SEAL Team THREE Fires Officer, Special Operations Task Force Iraq Fires Officer, Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force Iraq JTAC Program Manager, and Combined Joint Forces Land Component Command Iraq Strike Director. He completed two deployments in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.

Dittig reported back to Naval Air Station Pensacola and became a SELRES with the "Sabrehawks" of Training Squadron (VT) 86 in 2017. In 2018, he reported to Newport, Rhode Island, for a year of study at the U.S. Naval War College, earning a Masters of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies. Upon completion of his studies in 2019, Dittig returned to VT-86 and served as an Administration, Operations, and Executive Officer. As a Citizen Sailor, he flies across the globe for American Airlines in his civilian employment.

Commander Dittig has accumulated over 2,400 hours in various Navy aircraft, has over 300 carrier arrested landings, and has conducted and supported over 850 kinetic strikes in support of U.S. and partner forces. His awards include the Bronze Star, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals (3 awards), and various other personal and unit awards.