Capt. Ronnie Harper, a native of Hardinsburg, Kentucky, joined the U.S. Navy in December 1986, and after boot camp at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Illinois, he attended Avionics “A” School. He was commissioned as a Limited Duty Officer in May 2000. He earned a Bachelor of Science in professional aeronautics from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in 2006 and a Master of Business Administration from Touro International University in 2008.
 
His operational assignments include Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 195 aboard USS Saratoga (CV-60); VFA-22 aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63); USS George Washington (CVN 73); and Carrier Air Wing 5 as the carrier air group maintenance officer.
 
His shore assignments include Fighter Squadron (VF) 45; Blue Angels; Commander, Strike Fighter Wing Pacific as the readiness officer; Naval Air Systems Command; VFA-101; Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit Lemoore as commanding officer; Commander Strike Fighter Wing Pacific as wing maintenance officer; and Maintenance Operations Center at Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic as director.
 
He reported to Naval Air Technical Training Center as commanding officer in March 2024.
 
His personal decorations include Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (eight awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (five awards) and various unit and service awards.
 

Last Updated: 12 March 2024