Cmdr. Douglas Ivanac
Commanding Officer, Tactical Air Squadron (TACRON) 21
02 March 2021
A native of Pennsylvania, Cmdr. Douglas Ivanac graduated from The Ohio State University in 2002, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminology and receiving his commission through the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps program. In October of 2003, he received his Naval Flight Officer designation following training at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida and Randolph Air Force Base San Antonio, Texas.
In October of 2003, CDR Ivanac reported to Fleet Replacement Squadron, Patrol Squadron THIRTY (VP-30) in Jacksonville, Florida for initial training in the P-3C aircraft. He then reported to the “Tridents" of Patrol Squadron TWO SIX (VP-26) in Brunswick, Maine. He earned qualifications as Instructor Tactical Coordinator and Mission Commander while completing a FIFTH and SIXTH FLEET deployment in support of Operations IRAQI FREEDOM (OIF), ENDURING FREEDOM (OEF) and ACTIVE ENDEAVOR (OAE), as well as numerous detachments.
In October of 2007, CDR Ivanac reported TRARON TEN (VT-10) in Pensacola, Florida as a T-1A Intermediate Instructor NFO, where he was awarded the TRARON TEN Academic Instructor of the Year for 2008. Leaving the “Wildcats” June of 2010, he arrived in Norfolk, Virginia for duty as the Flag Lieutenant for Commander, Carrier Strike Group TWO (CSG-2). While at CSG-2, he deployed to FIFTH FLEET on the USS GEORGE H. W. BUSH in support of OIF, OEF and Operation NEW DAWN and earned his Flag Tactical Action Officer qualification.
In November of 2011, CDR Ivanac was selected and reported to the Office of Legislative Affairs in Washington D.C. as a Congressional Fellow for Senator John Cornyn (R-TX), where he advised and assisted in matters of defense, foreign and veterans’ policy for the 112th Congress. Returning back to VP-30 in January 2013, he became an FRS Instructor NFO, where he was the Training Director for the Taiwan Navy’s P-3 flight training, executing MRPA’s largest ever Foreign Military Sales contract.
In June of 2014, CDR Ivanac reported onboard Patrol Squadron ONE (VP-1), based out of Whidbey Island, Washington for his Department Head tour. Ultimately serving as Operations Officer, he completed two deployments with the “Screaming Eagles” spanning the FIFTH, SIXTH and SEVENTH FLEET AORs supporting OEF and Operation COPPER DUNE. Leaving VP-1 in February of 2017, he then reported to Commander, Task Force FIVE SEVEN (CTF-57), serving as Current Operations Officer and Tactical Operations Center (TOC) Director in Manama, Bahrain. In May of 2018, he reported to Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Group/Pacific (CPRG/P) in Norfolk, Virginia as Flag Secretary. CDR Ivanac reported to Tactical Air Control Squadron TWO ONE (TACRON 21) in December of 2019 as Executive Officer. He assumed command of TACRON 21 in February of 2021.
CDR Ivanac has logged over 2,300 hours in various aircraft and supported numerous operations. Additional education includes a Master of Science in International Relations from Troy University, a Certificate in Legislative Affairs from Georgetown University, and Joint Professional Military Education from the U.S. Naval War College. His awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medals (5), Navy Achievement Medals (2) and various other unit awards and campaign medals.