Rear Adm. Jason ‘PADI’ Naidyhorski
Vice Commander, U.S. Sixth Fleet
Rear Adm. Jason ‘PADI’ Naidyhorski is a native of Hudson, Wisconsin and a 1997 graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Naval War College. He was commissioned through Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps and earned his Wings of Gold in 2000.
Upon completion of initial training in the F/A-18C Hornet in December 2001, he reported to the forward deployed Naval forces (FDNF) and Strike Fighter Squadron 195 (VFA-195), the "Dambusters," stationed aboard NAF Atsugi, Japan attached to Carrier Air Wing Five (CVW-5) and Carrier Strike Group 5 (CSG-5). While assigned to VFA-195, he completed multiple deployments aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) and flew combat missions in support of Operation Southern Watch and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Rear Adm. Naidyhorski reported to VFA-106 in 2005 for duty as F/A-18 A-F Instructor Pilot responsible for training newly designated Naval aviators and fleet refresher training. While serving as an instructor pilot with the "Gladiators," he was selected to represent the United States Navy as a F/A-18C Demonstration Pilot performing at air shows across the nation.
Rear Adm. Naidyhorski transitioned from active duty to reserve component in August 2008 and was selected to remain onboard VFA-106 as a member of the Squadron Augment Unit (SAU) where he served until August 2013 as the VFA-106 SAU Training and Operations Officer.
He mobilized in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in August 2013, as Commander Joint Interagency Task Force 435 (CJIATF 435) Liaison Officer (LNO) to Commander International Security Assistance Forces (COMISAF) in Kabul, Afghanistan.
Staff tours include Reserve Chief of Staff, U.S. Fleet Forces Command and Deputy Commander, Navy Reserve Region Readiness and Mobilization Command (REDCOM), Norfolk VA and United States Sixth Fleet where he currently serves as the Vice Commander and Director, Maritime Partnership Program.
His command tours include VFA-106 Squadron Augment Unit (SAU), NR Tactical Air Control Squadron Two One (TACRON 21), NR U.S. Fleet Forces Command N3 HQ and NR Joint Force Command Norfolk (NATO).
Rear Adm. Naidyhorski has accumulated over 2600 flight hours in F/A-18A-F and over 300 carrier arrested landings. His personal awards include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal (1 Strike Flight and 2 Individual, 1 with Combat "V") and various other personal, expeditionary, unit and campaign awards.
Since September 2008, he has served the United States Navy in a civilian capacity on the staffs of United States Fleet Forces Command in Norfolk, VA and Commander, Navy Reserve Forces Command where he currently serves as the Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff (ADCOS) for Strategy, Plans, Policy & Facilities (N5).