LCDR Nate Barton

Nate Barton grew up in Hummelstown, PA, and graduated from Lower Dauphin High School in 1998, where he lettered in basketball, track and field, and cross-country.

He went on to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, NY, playing basketball while earning a Bachelor of Science in Logistics. He graduated in 2002 and was commissioned as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy.

That fall, Nate reported to NAS Pensacola for aviation indoctrination. He completed primary training in the T-34C Mentor at NAS Whiting Field, then moved to NAS Meridian for intermediate and advanced training in the T-2C Buckeye and T-45C Goshawk. He earned his wings of gold in August 2005.

From there, Nate trained in the EA-6B Prowler with VAQ-129, the “Vikings,” before joining VAQ-135, the “Black Ravens,” in 2006. During his time with the squadron, he served as LSO, Assistant Operations Officer, Aircraft Division Officer, and NATOPS Officer. He deployed twice aboard USS Nimitz, flying combat missions in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, and took part in international exercises with air and naval forces from India, Japan, Singapore, and South Korea. His leadership was recognized with the Debartolomeo Leadership Award and the 2009 Electronic Attack LSO of the Year.

In 2009, Nate transitioned to the F/A-18 Super Hornet with VFA-106, the “Gladiators,” at NAS Oceana, before returning to VAQ-129 as an instructor pilot. He was part of the first cadre to lead the Electronic Attack community’s transition from the EA-6B Prowler to the new EA-18G Growler. While instructing, he served as LSO, Carrier Qualifications Phase Head, and Schedules Officer, and was named the 2012 EA-18G Instructor Pilot of the Year.

LCDR Barton joined the Blue Angels in 2012, serving as the Left Wing pilot in 2013. Over his career, he has logged more than 1,800 flight hours—including 850 in the EA-6B Prowler, over 800 in the F/A-18 Hornet—and 325 carrier arrested landings.

As safety officer for the team, Nate had an “inside – outside” view of the team-building process. A dynamic leader, aviator, and team-builder, he concluded his Naval service commanding an award-winning EA-18G Growler squadron through a Western Pacific deployment.

His decorations include a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, and numerous personal and unit awards.

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