John Wake
Executive Officer - NTAG Heartland
06 April 2022
Originally from Delhi, New York, CDR Wake attended Daniel Webster College from 2004 to 2008, receiving a Bachelor’s of Science in Aviation Flight Operations. CDR Wake completed Officer Candidate School and was commissioned in 2010. As a Naval Flight Officer, CDR Wake earned his wings of gold from the “Sabrehawks” of VT-86 in Pensacola, Florida and reported to the F-18 Super Hornet Fleet Replacement Squadron VFA-106 in NAS Oceana.
CDR Wake completed his first tour with the “Gypsies” of VFA-32 from 2012-2015, completing a deployment onboard USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN-75) flying combat missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Following his completion of TOPGUN, CDR Wake reported to the “Gladiators” of VFA-106 as an instructor from 2016-2018. CDR Wake returned to the “Gypsies” of VFA-32 as Training Officer from 2018-2020, completing a deployment onboard USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN-69) in the 5th fleet area of responsibility conducting operations in support of Operation Freedoms Sentinel. CDR Wake served as Safety, Administration, and Maintenance Department Head in the “Jolly Rogers” of VFA-103 from 2020-2023, completing a deployment onboard USS GEORGE H.W. BUSH (CVN-77) conducting operations in the 6th fleet area of responsibility.
In 2024, CDR Wake earned a Masters of Military Studies from the United States Marine Corps Command and Staff College in Quantico, Virginia. CDR wake has accumulated over 2,200 flight hours and 400 carrier arrested landings. His personal awards include the Strike/Flight Air Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, as well as various unit and campaign awards.