CDR David A. Hoopengardner

Past Executive Officer, Tactical Air Control Squadron (TACRON) 12

04 August 2022 Calling Centreville, VA home, Commander Hoopengardner graduated and received his commission from the United States Naval Academy in 2004 with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science.  CDR Hoopengardner was designated a Naval Aviator in June 2006, after which he reported to the HSM‑40 “AIR WOLVES” at NS Mayport, FL, for pilot training in the SH-60B Seahawk.

CDR Hoopengardner reported to the HSL-46 “GRANDMASTERS” in April 2007, and deployed to the 5th Fleet once aboard USS BULKELEY (DDG 84) in support of Anti-Piracy Operations of the coast of Somalia and on USS NORMANDY (CG-60) participating in Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Relief OPERATION UNIFIED RESPONSE post-earthquake in Haiti and subsequent deploying to the 5th fleet supporting OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM and IRAQI FREEDOM 

In June 2010, he reported to the HX-21 “BLACK JACKS” at NAS Patuxent River, MD and upgraded platforms qualifying in both the MH-60R and MH-60S.  At HX-21, he served as the Safety Department Head and Squadron NATOPS Officer overseeing the safety and standardization of 12 different Aircraft Type/Model/Series (T/MS) for the squadron in addition to flying test and functional check flights. 

In Dec 2013, he reported to DESRON-15 as Air Operations Officer in Yokosuka Japan – part of the Forward Deployed Naval Forces (FDNF).  Here he deployed on both the USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN-73) and USS RONALD REAGAN (CVN-76) for a total of four 7th Fleet Patrols.  In April of 2013 he graduated from the Naval Postgraduate School with a Masters of Systems Engineering.  

In Dec 2015, he reported to the Chief Engineers Office at SPAWAR in San Diego as a Deputy Department Head of 5.9 – Test and Evaluation.  There he became an Acquisition Corps member and earned his Defense Acquisition University (DAU) Test and Evaluation Level 3 Qualification.  

In August 2017, he joined the HSM-51 “WARLORDS” as a Department Head, where he served as Officer-In-Charge (OIC) Detachment 4, Safety Officer, Training Officer, and Maintenance Officer.  He deployed with Detachment in the spring and summer patrol season of 2018 aboard USS ANTIETAM (CG 60) with the RONALD REAGAN Strike Group.  At HSM-51, he was selected as the 2019 Officer of the Year.

In August 2020, he reported to NATO Joint Force Command Brunssum, Netherlands as a staff officer in the J7 - Training and Exercises Branch.  There he served as the Joint Doctrine Section Head, staff officer and exercise planner.  

In August 2022, CDR Hoopengardner joined TACRON-12 as Executive Officer.

CDR Hoopengardner has accumulated more than 2,300 flight hours in 15 T/M/S.  His personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (3 awards), and Navy Achievement Medal (2 awards), along with various unit, service and campaign awards.