CAPT S. Robert Roth
CAPT S. Robert Roth was born in Summit, New Jersey. After graduating from West Morris Mendham High School, Mendham, New Jersey, in 1977, he attended Lafayette College, receiving a Baccalaureate Degree in Civil Engineering in 1981. He later earned a Master’s Degree from the Florida Institute of Technology in 1999. In 1986 he was commissioned an Ensign from Aviation Officer Candidate School, Pensacola, Florida. After earning his wings, he served as a flight instructor with VT-25 for two years in Beeville, Texas. He completed his F/A-18 Hornet Initial Training at VMFAT-101, Marine Corps Air Station, El Toro, California. His first sea duty was with the “Privateers” of VFA-132 as the Assistant Operations Officer and Aircraft Division Officer. In 1992, he joined the “Golden Warriors” of VFA-87 and served as the NATOPS Officer and Quality Assurance Officer. CAPT Roth completed deployments on USS FORRESTAL (CV 59) and USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN 71). From 1994-1997, CAPT Roth attended U.S. Naval Test Pilot School and received a follow on assignment as an Ordnance Test Pilot at Naval Air Station, Patuxent River, Md. In 1997, CAPT Roth transferred to the “Knighthawks” of VFA-136 where he performed Department Head duties in Administration, Maintenance, and Operations. CAPT Roth then attended the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island, where he received his second Master’s Degree, this time in National Security and Strategic Studies, graduating with Highest Distinction. CAPT Roth was assigned to the Commander, Naval Air Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, as Flag Aide from 1999 to 2000. He then joined the VFA-34 “Blue Blasters” in 2001 and served as Executive Officer and Commanding Officer. The squadron deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom onboard USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73). After attending the Joint Forces Staff College, CAPT Roth joined U.S. Joint Forces Command and served as an Observer Trainer, participating in several combatant command exercises and headquarters assistance visits including Multi-national Force Iraq and JTF Horn of Africa, Djibouti. He completed Nuclear Propulsion training in December 2007 and reported in March 2008 to his current assignment as Executive Officer, Pre-commissioning Unit GEORGE H. W. BUSH (CVN 77). CAPT Roth has amassed more than 3,500 flight hours and has logged more than 800 carrier arrestments. His awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, two Meritorious Service Medals, two Strike Flight Medals, three Navy Commendation Medals, two Navy Achievement Medals, and numerous Unit and Campaign Awards.
