Rear Admiral David B. Woods

Commander

Rear Adm. Woods, a native of Ogden, Utah, graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1981 and was designated a Naval Flight Officer in April 1983. He earned his Master's degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College in 1997.

His shore assignments include the Naval Surface Weapons Center, Bureau of Naval Personnel, VAQ -129, Electronic Combat Wing U.S. Pacific Fleet, Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Air Warfare Division; and the CNO Warfare Integration Group.

His sea duty assignments include VAQ-131 with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 6 aboard USS Independence (CV 62) and CVW 2 aboard USS Ranger (CV 61) and VAQ-138 with CVW 9 aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68) during Operations Desert Storm and Southern Watch.

Woods’ initial command was the VAQ-132 “Scorpions” aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) with CVW 17. Under his leadership VAQ-132 earned the Battle “E”, CNO Safety “S” and the CVWP “Prowler Maintenance Squadron of the Year” awards.

Woods also commanded VAQ-129, the Navy’s EA-6B “Prowler” Fleet Replacement Squadron. Under his command the Vikings won their first ever Commander, Naval Air Forces “Commander Theodore G. Ellyson Award” for aircrew production excellence.

Woods’ major command was Commander, CVW 11 aboard USS Nimitz with Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 11 in support of combat operations during Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.

His joint assignments include: Deputy Director, Combined Air Operations Center, Joint Task Force Southwest Asia and Commander, Joint Crew Composite Squadron.

Woods’ decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medals (four awards), Strike/Flight Air Medals (five awards), USAF Aerial Achievement Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals (four awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals (two awards) and various other service and unit awards.