Captain Clemons graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1996 earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering. After earning his Naval Flight Officer wings in 1997, he reported to VAQ-129 “Vikings” for training as an Electronic Countermeasures Officer (ECMO) in the EA-6B Prowler.
In 1999, Captain Clemons transferred to Japan joining VAQ-136 “Gauntlets” attached to CVW-5 embarked in USS KITTY HAWK (CV 63) conducting operations throughout the Wester Pacific. His first flight with VAQ-136 was over Iraq in support of OPERATION SOUTHERN WATCH. He was selected by his peers for the 2001 "Commander Noel Greene Inspirational Leadership Award."
Returning to the States in 2002, he served as a fleet replacement instructor with VAQ-129. During this tour, he attended the Aviation Safety Officer course at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California. He was selected as the 2005 "Instructor ECMO of the Year."
Following his tour at VAQ-129, Captain Clemons served as a Strike Warfare Officer at Joint Special Operations Command, Aviation Tactics Evaluation Group in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Deployments included support to Operation ENDURING FREEDOM (OEF) and Operation IRAQI FREEDOM (OIF) while augmenting various joint task forces.
In 2007, he was assigned as a Department Head for VAQ-130 “Zappers”. He deployed with CVW-3 on board USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN 75) in support of OIF. He was chosen for the 2009 Electronic Attack Community, Commander Naval Air Forces' Navy and Marine Association Leadership Award (Category III).
After completing his Department Head tour, he attended the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island, earning a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies.
He reported as Executive Officer to VAQ-139 “Cougars” in 2011 for their Prowler sundown cruise attached to CVW-14 aboard USS RONALD REAGAN (CVN 76) supporting OEF. There he transitioned to the EA-18G Growler taking Command as the “Cougars” earned Safe-for-Flight. He led the readiness build flying the new aircraft including the first carrier detachment assigned to CVW-17 aboard USS CARL VINSON (CVN 70).
Turning over command in 2014, he was assigned to Commander, Naval Air Forces Pacific as the N81/N8C Future Manpower/Readiness Requirements Officer followed by a return to Japan in 2016 to serve as the Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Japan/Commander Navy Region Japan N3/N5/N7 Operations/Plans and Policy/Training Assistant Chief of Staff.
In 2020, Captain Clemons assumed duties as Naval Base Coronado Executive Officer, fleeting up as Commanding Officer in 2021.
Captain Clemons is currently assigned as Chief of Staff for Commander, Navy Region Southwest.
He accumulated over 2,600 flight hours and 650 carrier arrested landings in the EA-6B Prowler and EA-18G Growler. His decorations include the Legion of Merit (2), Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (2), Strike/Flight Medal (2), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (2), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (3), and multiple unit, service, and campaign awards.
Last Updated: 10 February 2023