CAPT 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. He completed his active service then utilized his GI bill benefits to graduate from the University of Arizona with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science in 1998. He also received a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College in 2010
Designated a Naval Flight Officer in April 2001, CAPT Montero completed seven operational carrier deployments flying the S-3B Viking, EA-6B Prowler and EA-18G Growler. During his first tour with the “Redtails” of VS-21 where he flew the S-3B, he deployed onboard the USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) forward deployed in Atsugi, Japan completing two Western Pacific and one Arabian gulf deployments.
Following his overseas tour, he transferred to Naval Air Station Whidbey Island to transition to the might EA-6B. Assigned to the “Patriots” of VAQ-140, he deployed onboard the USS Eisenhower (CVN 69) for an eight-month combat deployment.
Upon completing his second operational tour, CAPT Montero was selected as an Individual Augmentee and deployed with the U.S. Army 10th Mountain Division as an Electronic Warfare Officer working in the Counter-Improvised Explosive Device (C-IED) defeat cell. His ten months “boots on the ground” were CAPT Montero’s third tour in Iraq.
Following his third combat deployment, CAPT Montero attended the Naval War College prior to his selection as department head. For his department head tour, he served as Safety Officer, Administrative Officer and Maintenance Officer, completing a deployment onboard the USS George Washington (CVN 73) with the “The Gauntlets"” of VAQ-136 and the transition to the EA-18G Growler. On his most recent operational deployment as the Commanding Officer of the “Cougars” of VAQ-139, CAPT Montero led his squadron to his fourth combat deployment onboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) to the Indo-Pacific and Arabian gulf area of responsibility.
CAPT Montero’s shore tours include Fighter Intercept Control Officer at NATO Combined Air Operations Center Torrejón de Ardoz in Madrid Spain and most recently served as the Military Deputy to the Electronic Warfare Director, Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, Platform and Weapons Portfolio Management, Electronic Warfare in The Pentagon, Washington, D.C.
His accomplishments include recognition as Commander, Electronic Attack Wing, Pacific, Junior Officer “Seadog Fodor” leadership award for 2007. Additionally, during this CO and XO tour, the “Cougars” of VAQ-139 were the recipients of the 2016, 2017, and 2018 Battle Efficiency Award.
CAPT 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 totaled over 600 arrested landings on six different aircraft carriers and has received multiple individual and campaign awards including the Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal (2 awards), Meritorious Service Medal, and Strike/Flight Air Medal (4 awards).
Last Updated: 30 January 2024