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Leadership

Capt. Albert B. Head

Commanding Officer, USS Bataan (LHD 5)

26 July 2024

Capt. Trace Head
240726-N-KK394-2001
Capt. Trace Head
Photo By: Capt. Trace Head
VIRIN: 240726-N-KK394-2001

Captain Trace Head attended Virginia Tech where he earned a bachelor’s degree in City Planning and Urbanization in May 1999. He then completed Officer Candidate School at NAS Pensacola, FL, where he was commissioned in June 2000.

He reported to VT-10 for primary and intermediate flight training. He selected the E-2C HAWKEYE in May 2001 and reported to VAW-120. He received his wings as a Naval Flight Officer in June 2002. In October 2002, Captain Head reported to the BEAR ACES of VAW-124. He deployed twice with Carrier Air Wing EIGHT onboard USS THEODOORE ROOSEVELT (CVN 71) in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM and Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. During this tour, he served as Legal Officer, Aircraft Safety Officer, Line Division Officer, and Assistant Operations Officer. Captain Head reported back to VAW-120 in January 2006 as an Instructor Naval Flight Officer where he served as the Tactics Phase Head and E-2D Officer. He was a member of the Hawkeye Tactical Analysis Team and served as a Weapons Tactics Instructor. At VAW-120 he was selected as the 2008 Commander ACCLOGWING Naval Flight Officer of the year. In January 2009, Captain Head reported to the USS ENTERPRISE (CVN 65) to serve as the Assistant Navigator. He deployed in 2011 in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Captain Head reported to the WALLBANGERS of VAW-117 in June 2011 as a Department Head. He deployed in 2013 with Carrier Air Wing ELEVEN onboard USS NIMITZ (CVN 68) in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. He held the positions of Administrative, Assistant Maintenance, and Operations Officer. During this tour, he was selected as the 2013 Commander NAVAIRPAC Naval Flight Officer of the Year. In December 2013, Captain Head reported to the Air, Land, Sea Application (ALSA) Center where he developed multi-Service tactics, techniques, and procedures. During this tour, he served as the Navy Director and as an Action Officer. On 23 March 2018, he assumed responsibility as VAW-117 Commanding Officer. While deployed onboard USS JOHN C. STENNIS (CVN 74) with CVW-9 he flew in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE, as well as 7th and 6th Fleet operations circumnavigating the world. Captain Head reported to USS JOHN C. STENNIS (CVN 74) in July of 2018 as Operations Officer. During this tour, he directed the actions of 3000 Sailors, 20 departments, and dozens of external units in the execution of seven underway periods and RCOH.

Captain Head checked onboard USS BATAAN (LHD 5) as Executive Officer in December 2022, and assumed the title of Commanding Officer in June 2024. Captain Head has accumulated over 2,600 flight hours and 500 arrested landings.

His personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and various unit, campaign, and service awards.


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