Unit Staff
Commanding Officer
Captain Pollpeter grew up on a farm near West Point, Iowa. He attended Iowa State University earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering, and his commission as an Ensign through NROTC. He reported to NAS Pensacola, FL for flight training and was designated a Naval Flight Officer in August 1984. He completed Electronic Countermeasures Officer training with the “Vikings” of VAQ-129 in September 1985.
Captain Pollpeter has served in sea duty assignments with the “Wizards” of VAQ-133 for a Western Pacific/Indian Ocean/Mediterranean deployment aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65) and a Mediterranean deployment aboard USS Coral Sea (CV 43). With the “Shadowhawks” of VAQ-141 deploying to the Adriatic Sea aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). Later with the “Yellow Jackets” of VAQ-138, deploying aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68) to WestPac, Indian Ocean and Arabian Gulf, and a subsequent two-month deployment to MCAF Iwakuni, Japan. He also served as Mini Boss and then Air Boss onboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) from April 2004 to June 2006. After completing a Global Combat Deployment in 2005, the carrier entered Refueling Complex Over Haul at Northrop Grumman Newport News ship yard.
Shore tours include VAQ-129 for duty as a Flight Instructor and EA-6B NATOPS Evaluator. He also attended Naval Command and Staff College in Newport, RI earning a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies. In the fall of 1997 he attended the Armed Forces Staff College in Norfolk, VA, and then reported to the Joint Warfare Analysis Center (JWAC) at NSWC Dahlgren, VA. Where he performed duties as Team Chief and Liaison Officer interfacing with COCOM staffs. Received Joint Qualified Officer designation in 2000.
On 6 September 2001, he joined the “Cougars” of VAQ-139 as XO/CO and deployed onboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) in July 2002 in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Southern Watch, and was extended on cruise for Operation Iraqi Freedom. The squadron returned May 2003 after a 9.5 month deployment. The “Cougars” were recognized with the Admiral Arthur W. Radford Award as best EA-6B squadron in the Navy, and as the COMNAVAIRPAC Battle “E” and Safety “S” winners for 2002.
Captain Pollpeter reported to Naval Support Activity Norfolk in Aug 2006 as Commanding Officer and was dual-hatted as Regional Program Director, Fleet and Family Readiness Program for Navy Region Mid-Atlantic. As installation CO he has three installations, NSA, NSA North West Annex, and Lafayette River Annex. As Program Director for the quality of life programs (Morale Welfare and Recreation (MWR), Galleys, Family and Bachelor Housing, Child and Youth Programs, and fleet and family Support Centers) providing services on 17 bases spanning 14 states from North Carolina to Maine, and employing over 3500 civilians and military personnel.
He has logged over 3480 flight hours and 925 arrested landings in the Prowler. His personal awards include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (2), Air Medal (1 Combat “V” and 3 strike/flight), Navy Commendation Medal (4 and 1 Combat “V”), and other personal and unit awards.
