CAPT Dan S. Catlin
Commander Air Wing (CAG) EIGHT (CVW-8)
Capt. Dan “OJ” Catlin is a native of La Porte, Texas. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force after graduating from the United States Air Force Academy in 1999 with a Bachelor of Science in International Relations. He was designated a naval aviator in May 2003 after completing an inter-service transfer to the United States Navy.
Catlin’s fleet assignments include operational tours with the “Argonauts” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 147, the “Stingers” of VFA-113, and the “Sunliners” of VFA-81. During these assignments, he flew numerous combat missions in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, New Dawn, and Inherent Resolve. While in command of VFA-81, Catlin was recognized as the recipient of the 2016 Commander, Strike Fighter Wing Atlantic Navy and Marine Corps Association O-5 Leadership Award.
Shore duty assignments for Catlin include an instructor tour with the “Flying Eagles” of VFA-122, NATO Allied Maritime Command in Northwood, England, and command of the “Gladiators” of VFA-106. While assigned to the “Flying Eagles”, he served as a super hornet tactical demonstration team pilot and was the recipient of the 2008 Instructor Pilot of the Year Award. Following his first command tour, he earned a master’s degree in National Security Strategy from the prestigious National War College in Washington D.C.
Catlin has accumulated over 3,200 flight hours in various models of F/A-18 aircraft and over 750 arrested carrier landings. He humbly credits his various personal and unit awards to the outstanding men and women he has had the privilege of serving with throughout his career.
Photos by Angelo Romano, Patrick Roegies, and U.S. Navy.
Acknowledgments: ENS Paula Niederland with CVN 78 PAO; LCDR Tyler J. Barker and LTJG Swanson A. Tiona, with CNE-CAN-C6F PAO.
