2009 Officers

The U.S. Navy announced Tuesday that Cmdr. Greg McWherter will assume command of the Blue Angels flight demonstration team.

Commander Greg McWherter, a native of Atlanta, Georgia, attended The Citadel where he graduated Cum Laude in May 1990 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering and received his commission through NROTC. He began flight training at NAS Pensacola, Florida in June 1990 and was awarded his Wings of Gold at NAS Meridian, Mississippi in September 1992.

In November 1992, he reported to the "Gladiators" of VFA-106 at NAS Cecil Field, Florida for initial training in the FA-18 Hornet. Upon completion of the Fleet Replacement Squadron, he was ordered to VFA-131. From October 1993 until February 1997, he completed two workups and deployments to the Mediterranean Sea/Arabian Gulf with the "Wildcats" aboard USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73) and graduated from the United States Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN).

In March 1997, Commander McWherter reported to NAS Fallon, Nevada as a TOPGUN Instructor where he served as Training Officer and FA-18 Air-to-Air Employment Subject Matter Expert.

Commander McWherter returned to the fleet in March 2000 as Tactics Officer and Department Head in VFA-34 at NAS Oceana, Virginia. During the tour with the "Blue Blasters", he completed two more Mediterranean Sea/Arabian Gulf deployments aboard USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73).

In August 2003, Commander McWherter reported to the United States Joint Forces Command in Norfolk, Virginia. Within the Joint Requirements and Integration Directorate (J8), he served as the Joint Close Air Support (JCAS) Branch Chief and was responsible for identifying mission area shortfalls and developing joint solutions across DoD. During his Joint tour, Commander McWherter completed Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) Phase I through the College of Distance Education at the Naval War College.

Commander McWherter has over 3,000 flight hours and 700 arrested landings. His decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, three Air Medals (Strike Flight), two Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, as well as various campaign and unit awards.