An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

John P. Hiltz

Commanding Officer - Pacific Northwest

01 April 2022

U.S. Navy Commander John Hiltz official photo.
U.S. Navy Commander John Hiltz official photo.
U.S. Navy Commander John Hiltz official photo.
190829-N-IW000-0001
U.S. Navy Commander John Hiltz official photo.
Photo By: John Griffiths
VIRIN: 190829-N-IW000-0001

Commander John Hiltz was raised in Fort Mitchell, KY. He attended the University of Notre Dame, was a member of the varsity basketball team and earned his commission via the NROTC program, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering (cum laude) in 2002.


After earning his wings of gold in August 2005, Cmdr. Hiltz reported to Strike Fighter Squadron ONE FIVE FOUR (VFA-154) in Lemoore, CA for operational duty as an F/A-18F pilot where he twice deployed aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) and flew combat missions in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. In November 2009, Hiltz reported to Marine Strike Fighter Training Squadron ONE ZERO ONE (VMFAT-101) in Miramar, CA for duty as an F/A-18C instructor pilot.


During this tour, he was selected to be a member of the United States Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, and reported to Pensacola, FL in September 2011. Commander Hiltz flew as the #2 pilot and right wingman for the 2012-2014 air show seasons performing more than 135 airshows in North America, showcasing a culture of excellence and service to country. 


 In February 2015, Cmdr. Hiltz reported to the Fist of the Fleet (VFA-25) as an operational department head and F/A-18E pilot. He deployed aboard USS Harry Truman (CVN 75) and flew combat missions in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. During this tour, he was also the officer in charge of exercise Beacon Flash, a multi-national exercise with the Royal Air Force of Oman.


Following completion of this tour, he reported to Cruise Missile Support Activity Pacific at the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Headquarters on Oahu for joint duty as the director for strategy and plans.


Hiltz has flown over 3300 flight hours, logged 471 carrier arrested landings and has been awarded one Defense Meritorious Service Medal, one Meritorious Service Medal, three Air Medals (Strike/Flight), one Navy Commendation Medal, four Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, as well as various other personal, unit, and service awards.

  
Cmdr. Hiltz assumed duties of executive officer of Navy Talent Acquisition Group Pacific Northwest in December 2019 to March of 2021.

 

Hiltz assumed duties of commanding officer of Navy Talent Acquisition Group Pacific Northwest in March of 2021.