CDR Cole “Fish” Roberts

COMMANDING OFFICER, TACTICAL AIR CONTROL SQUADRON ELEVEN (TACRON 11)

28 March 2024 Commander Cole “Fish” Roberts is a native of Eugene, Oregon, graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2006 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. After commissioning he reported for flight training and earned his wings in 2008.

In 2009 CDR Roberts reported to the Spartans of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 70 on Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida. He served as Quality Assurance Officer and deployed aboard USS GEORGE H.W. BUSH (CVN 77) during the maiden deployment in support of OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM and OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM.

CDR Roberts was selected and graduated from the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School in 2013. He subsequently reported to the Blackjacks of Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (HX) 21 on Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland, where he served as a MH-60R and MH-60S Developmental Test Pilot. His test projects included; the MH-60R Hellfire Longbow program, weapons employment envelope expansion and radar future capability testing.

In 2015 he graduated from the U.S. Naval Post Graduate School with a Master of Science degree in Engineering Science (Aerospace Engineering).

In 2017 he reported to the Vipers of HSM-48 on Naval Station Mayport, Florida, where he served as Operations Officer and Detachment TWO Officer in Charge (OIC). As OIC of the HSM-48.2 Lone Wolves, he embarked in the USS MONTEREY (CG 61) in support of Carrier Strike Group 9 and OPERATION INHERENT RESOLVE.

CDR Roberts subsequently reported to Headquarters U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM), Camp Smith, Hawaii in 2019. He served as Integration Branch Chief, Information Operations Division (J39), where he led a team responsible for integrating Information Related Capabilities providing Information Operations (IO) effects to meet the Commander’s theater objectives. He departed USINDOPACOM in 2022.

In December 2022, CDR Roberts reported to TACRON ELEVEN (VTC-11) as Executive Officer, and became the 54th Commanding Officer of TACRON 11 in March 2024.

CDR Roberts has accumulated over 2,300 flight hours piloting 21 various rotary and fixed wing aircraft. His awards and decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, the Joint Service Achievement Medal, and other personal, unit and campaign awards.