VT-4 Leadership

Executive Officer

Commander West, a native of the Pacific Northwest, graduated from Marquette University in 2004 where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, with a major in Marketing and a minor in Criminology. He received his commission through OCS in June 2008. He earned his Naval Flight Officer (NFO) wings of gold at VAW-120 on September 17, 2010.

Commander West began his first operational tour with the "Black Eagles" of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 113 (VAW-113). While assigned to the "Black Eagles", he deployed in 2010 aboard USS RONALD REAGAN (CVN 76) with CVW-14 in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, as well as RIMPAC 2014 with CVW-2.

Commander West's first shore tour was with the "Greyhawks" of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 120 (VAW-120) as a Fleet Replacement Squadron NFO Instructor. While at VAW-120, he served as an NFO Instructor, NFO NATOPS Officer, CRM Instructor, E-2C NFO Program Manager, and NATOPS Unit Evaluator. He became the Subject Matter Expert for the E-2D NATOPS phase.

In 2017, he transferred to the USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN 69) as a Catapult and Arresting Gear Officer. While onboard, he served as the V-2 Assistant Division Officer and the V-4 Division Officer.

Commander West transferred to the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations as the Aide to the Director, Navy Staff in the Pentagon. In 2020, he began his Department Head tour with VAW-113, where he served as Admin Officer and Maintenance Officer, and completed a WESTPAC deployment in 2021 aboard USS CARL VINSON (CVN70) with CVW-2. In 2023, he transferred to the Pentagon where he served as an Action Officer in the Operations, Plans and Cyber Policy Branch of the Joint Staff J6.

Commander West has accumulated over 1,400 flight hours and 270 carrier arrested landings in the E-2 Hawkeye. His personal decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (four awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and various campaign, service, and unit awards.