CDR Michael Burks

Commander Michael Burks graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1998 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Aeronautical Engineering. After earning his wings of gold in February 2000, he reported to the "Grim Reapers" of VF-101 at NAS Oceana for training in the F-14 Tomcat.

CDR Burks’ first operational tour was with the "Red Rippers" of VF-11. He deployed on the USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67) in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM and on the USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN-73) in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM.

In 2004 CDR Burks was selected to attend the U.S. Navy Test Pilot School (Class 127). After graduation he received orders to VX-23 "Salty Dogs" where he led more than 40 developmental test projects on the F/A-18A-G and T-45A/C.

During his test tour, CDR Burks earned a Master of Science in Systems Engineering from Johns Hopkins University. Before reporting for department head duty, he attended the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College in Fort Leavenworth, KS.

CDR Burks reported to the "Bounty Hunters" of VFA-2 in 2009 where he served as the Administration Officer, Operations Officer and Maintenance Officer. As the Operations Officer he led the "Bounty Hunters" through a demanding workup cycle and deployment on the USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72) in support of Operations ENDURING FREEDOM and NEW DAWN, earning the 2011 Pacific Fleet Battle "E" and RADM C. Wade McClusky Awards.

Following his Department Head tour, CDR Burks was assigned to the F-35 flight test program at VX-23 in Patuxent River, MD. As the Operations Officer for the F-35 Integrated Test Force he was responsible for the operations of nine unique F-35B/C developmental test aircraft and a diverse test team of over 900 personnel.

CDR Burks currently resides in Lemoore, CA with his wife, Sara, and two children, Jesse and Alaina. He assumed duties as the Commanding Officer for VFA-86 "Sidewinders" in May 2016.

CDR Burks’ awards include the Strike/Flight Air Medal (2), Navy Commendation Medal (3), Navy Achievement Medal (2) and numerous unit and campaign medals. CDR Burks has accumulated over 3000 flight hours, 550 arrested landings and piloted more than 30 different military aircraft.