Captain Converse completed training in the FA-18C in November 2002 and joined VFA-27 in Atsugi, Japan.  He deployed with the “Royal Maces” of VFA-27 aboard USS KITTY HAWK (CV 63) for several WESTPAC patrols as well as a combat deployment in 2003 in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. 

In October 2005, he was selected to attend the Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN) in Fallon, Nevada.  After graduation, he joined the TOPGUN Staff as an Instructor Pilot and served as the U.S. Navy’s Defensive Electronic Countermeasures subject matter expert and ended his tour on the TOPGUN Staff as the Training Officer.

Captain Converse reported to the “Gunslingers” of VFA-105 in Virginia Beach, Virginia in October 2008 where he served as Training Officer and in May 2010, he was assigned as a Department Head to VFA-81.  Embarked in USS CARL VINSON (CVN 70), he supported Operations ENDURING FREEDOM and NEW DAWN.  While with the “Sunliners”, he earned the 2010 Michael Longardt Leadership Award and the 2011 Navy and Marine Corps Association Leadership Award.  

In 2013, he joined the Military Faculty at the Joint Forces Staff College, National Defense University in Norfolk, Virginia where he taught Cyberspace and Information Operations and earned JPME Phase II along with being designated a Joint Qualified Officer.

Captain Converse reported to the VFA-131 “Wildcats” in July 2016 as the Executive Officer embarked aboard USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN 69) in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE.  He assumed command in December 2017 and earned the 2017 Navy and Marine Corps Association Leadership Award.

Following squadron command, he reported to Aviation Assignments Division, Navy Personnel Command (PERS-43) as TACAIR post-command Commander Detailer and Head Aviation Detailer.  After being selected for Aviation Major Command at sea, Captain Converse reported to Carrier Air Wing ONE in November 2021 where he served as Deputy Commander until assuming command in June 2023.  He deployed twice with Team “Tarbox” aboard USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN 75) and turned over Air Wing command in November 2024.  

Captain Converse assumed command of Naval Leadership and Ethics Command Dam Neck in May 2025.

Captain Converse has accumulated over 4,000 flight hours and 850 carrier landings.  His decorations include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Air Medal (individual award with Combat “V” and five strike flight awards), Navy Commendation Medal (three awards), Navy Achievement Medal (two awards), as well as other individual, unit and campaign awards.

Last Updated: 16 May 2025