CAPT Louis F. Catalina IV

Commanding Officer, USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19)

05 September 2025 Captain Catalina, a native of Ambridge, PA, graduated cum laude from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in 2001, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Shipboard Operations and Technology and a USCG Third Mate License. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as an Ensign and was designated a Naval Aviator in March 2004. He holds a Master of Science in Management from American University and is a graduate of the Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN) and the Naval Nuclear Power School.

Flying the FA-18E/F, Captain Catalina’s operational tours began with the “Black Knights” of VFA-154, where he deployed aboard USS CARL VINSON (CVN 70) and USS JOHN C. STENNIS (CVN 74), flying combat operations in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. He then served as the Training Officer with the “Black Aces” of VFA-41 where he made one deployment aboard CVN 74, flying combat operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. In 2012, he served as a department head for the “Kestrels” of VFA-137, where he completed one deployment aboard USS RONALD REAGAN (CVN 76). In 2017, he reported back to the Kestrels of VFA-137 and served as the Executive Officer and the 28th Commanding Officer of the “Kestrels” where he deployed on CVN-70 and USS NIMITZ (CVN 68). Most recently, he served as Executive Officer on USS GEORGE H.W. BUSH (CVN 77) from 2023-2025.

His shore assignments include Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor duty with Strike Fighter Weapons School Pacific, as a Strike Fighter and Assistant Captain Detailer at Naval Personnel Command, and as an operational analyst at the Joint Staff, J8, Studies, Analysis, and Gaming Division (SAGD) in Washington DC, where he authored the 2020 and 2021 Joint Military Net Assessment.

Captain Catalina reported as the Commanding Officer of the USS BLUE RIDGE (LCC 19) in September 2025.

Captain Catalina has accumulated over 3,400 flight hours and 750 carrier-arrested landings. His awards include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (2), Strike/Flight Air Medal (3), Navy Commendation Medal (3), Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and various service awards and ribbons.