VT-86 Leadership

Commanding Officer

A native of Davenport, Iowa, CDR Cowan enlisted in the Navy in January of 1999. Upon completion of his training as a Nuclear Machinist Mate he reported to USS PARCHE (SSN-683) in September 2000. While onboard he earned his silver dolphins, completed two workup cycles, participated in one mission, and was selected for the Seaman to Admiral (STA-21) program. From September to December 2003 he attended the Naval Science Institute (NSI) and then attended the University of Washington in Seattle, graduating in December 2006 with a Bachelor of science degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Minor in Mathematics.

CDR Cowan reported to Pensacola, Florida and completed Primary and Intermediate phases of training with Training Squadron (VT) 10 and Advanced training with VT-86. He was winged as a Naval Flight Officer (NFO) in February 2009 and reported to the "Gladiators" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 106 for initial training as a Weapons System Officer in the F/A-18F.

In January 2010 CDR Cowan joined the fleet as a member of The Fighting Checkmates of VFA-211 where he completed two combat deployments in support of Operations ENDURING FREEDOM and NEW DAWN onboard USS ENTERPRISE (CVN 65). While in the Checkmates he completed SFWT level IV and held the jobs of Mission Planning, Schedules, and Aviation/Armaments Division Officer.

CDR Cowan returned to VT-86 in April 2013 as an Instructor NFO in the T-39 and the T-45 and qualified as a Strike Fighter, All Weather Intercept (AWI), and Close Air Support Instructor. He was the Ground Safety Officer, Schedules Officer, and the AWI Stage Manager. He was also selected as the 2015 George M. Skurla Chief of Naval Air Training Naval Flight Officer Instructor of the Year award winner.

In April 2016, CDR Cowan reported to VFA-122 for refresher training in the Super Hornet and in July 2016 he joined VFA-154. During his time in the Black Knights he was the NATOPS, Administration, Assistant Operations, Safety, and Quality Assurance Officer. He deployed in 2017 aboard USS NIMITZ (CVN 68) in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE, and upon return he was selected to transition to the EA-18G as an Electronic Warfare Officer and he detached VFA-154 in August 2018.

Completing his initial training in the Growler from VAQ-129 in February 2019, CDR Cowan reported to the Gray Wolves of VAQ-142, serving as the Safety, Administration, and Operations Officer during two Western Pacific Deployments (WESTPAC) aboard USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN 71). During this tour he qualified as an Air Wing Strike Lead and SEAD Mission Commander and completed GWTP level IV. Following his Department Head tour, he was assigned as the Officer in Charge of Fleet Area Control and Surveillance Facility Detachment Pearl Harbor from December 2021 to June 2023.

CDR Cowan has accumulated more than 2,800 flight hours and 727 traps across eight Aircraft Carriers. His personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal (three Strike/Flight awards), Navy Commendation Medal (three awards), Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two awards), and various unit, campaign, and service awards.