Captain Ladislao R. Montero is a native of Nogales AZ. He enlisted in the Navy in 1988 and served over 5 years as an avionics technician. Utilizing his GI BILL, he graduated from the University of Arizona earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science in 1998. He was commissioned through Officer Candidate School in Pensacola, FL and designated a Naval Flight Officer in April 2001.
His sea tours include: VS-22 “Checkmates” deploying with USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67) as avionic technician, VS-35 “Blue Wolves” deploying with USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) as Line division supervisor, VS-21 “Readtails” deploying with USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) as legal, NATOPS and AV/ARM division officer, VAQ-140 “Patriots deploying with USS Eisenhower (CVN-69) as QA and assistant operations officer, VAQ-136 “Gauntlets” deploying with USS George Washington (CVN-73) as Safety, Admin and Maintenance Officer, VAQ-139 “Cougars” deploying with USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) as Executive and Commanding Officer. He deployed as an individual augmentee with the U.S. Army’s 10th Mountain Division in Iraq as electronic warfare rep for counter- improvised explosive device (C-IED) cell.
Captain Montero’s shore tours include Fighter Intercept Control Officer at NATO Combined Air Operations Center “Torrejón de Ardoz” in Madrid Spain and as the Military Deputy to the Electronic Warfare Director, Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment in the Pentagon, Washington, D.C. Captain Montero was selected to command Naval Base Coronado in October 2021, and reported aboard as the executive officer in December 2022.
Captain Montero assumed command of Naval Base Coronado on 26 January 2024 onboard Naval Air Station North Island.
Captain Montero is currently assigned as Chief of Staff Commander, Navy Region Southwest.
His accomplishments include recognition as Commander, Electronic Attack Wing, Pacific, Junior Officer “Seadog Fodor” leadership award for 2007. Additionally, during his command tour, the “Cougars” of VAQ-139 were the recipients of the 2016, 2017, and 2018 Battle Efficiency Award.
Captain Montero has accumulated over 2,600 total hours flying the S-3B, EA-6B and EA-18G in support of Operations Southern Watch, Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, Inherent Resolve and Enduring Sentinel. He has received multiple individual and campaign awards including the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal (2 awards), Meritorious Service Medal, Strike/Flight Air Medal (4 awards), and Navy Marine Corps Commendation Medal (with combat “V” award).
Last Updated: 29 July 2025