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NavSource Online: Amphibious Photo Archive

Contributed by Mike Smolinski

USS Mesa Verde (LPD-19)

CAPT. David G. Duff, USN
Commanding Officer

Captain Gavin Duff received his commission from the United States Naval Academy with a B.S in Naval Architecture in 1995 and was designated a Naval Aviator in June 1998. He holds a Masters of Engineering Management from Old Dominion University and was a 2019 Massachusetts Institute of Technology Seminar XXI fellow. Upon completion of initial F/A-18 training, Duff was ordered to the Marauders of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 82. The squadron deployed with USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) in support of Operation Southern Watch and USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. While assigned to VFA-82, he was selected as Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic’s Pilot of the Year for 2001.

Duff was selected for and attended U.S. Naval Test Pilot School at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland; he graduated with honors in 2003. He was subsequently transferred to the Salty Dogs of Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 23 where he served as a project officer overseeing F/A-18 Super Hornet Weapons Systems Integration.

In November 2005, Duff was ordered to the Eagles of VFA-115 where he served as a department head, deploying aboard USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and various U.S. 7th Fleet watch stations. During this tour, Duff was selected as the Commander, Naval Air Forces Pacific LCDR Michael G. Hoff Attack Aviator of the Year for 2007.

Duff then received orders to Navy Personnel Command in Millington, Tennessee, where he served as the Strike Fighter Community Detailer from June 2008 to June 2010. Upon completion of his shore assignment, he reported as the executive officer of VFA-122, the “Flying Eagles.” In July 2011, he reported to the Tophatters of VFA-14 as the executive officer; he assumed command in September 2012. During his tenure, the Tophatters deployed twice with USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and New Dawn, and VFA-14 was awarded the Battle “E” and the Rear Adm. C. Wade McLuskey Award for operational excellence.

Duff was selected for major command and reported to Naval Nuclear Power School Charleston, South Carolina in January 2014, where he graduated with honors. He served as the executive officer of USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) where he deployed in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. He reported to the Joint Staff, J7 as the Chief Service Joint Training and U.S. Central Command Desk Officer in June of 2017.

He is entitled to wear the Defense Superior Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with Gold Star (in lieu of third award), Strike / Flight Air Medal (10 awards with Bronze Star and Combat Distinguishing Device), Navy Commendation Medal (five awards with Combat Distinguishing Device), Navy Achievement Medal with Gold Star (in lieu of second award) and various personal, unit and service awards. Duff is the 2014 recipient of Vice Admiral James Bond Stockdale Award for Inspirational Leadership.

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