Captain Van Allen is a native of Barkhamsted, Connecticut. He graduated from Marist College with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and earned his commission through Officer Candidate School in Pensacola, FL. He was designated a Naval Flight Officer in September of 2001. He holds a Master of Arts (with highest distinction) in National Security and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College, and also earned a Naval Strategist subspecialty code and was awarded the Drs. Daniel and Susan Thys award for academic excellence.
Captain Van Allen’s sea tours include assignments as a junior officer with the “Shadowhawks” of VAQ-141, Department Head duty with the “Garudas” of VAQ-134, and a command tour with the “Patriots” of VAQ-140. He completed an additional sea tour serving as Assistant Operations Officer attached to Carrier Air Wing Five (CVW-5) stationed in Atsugi, Japan. He has deployed once onboard USS CARL VINSON (CVN-70), twice onboard both USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN-71) and USS GEORGE H. W. BUSH (CVN-77) and completed multiple U.S. Seventh Fleet maritime patrols onboard USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN-73). He has flown in support of Operations IRAQI FREEDOM, ENDURING FREEDOM, and RESOLUTE SUPPORT; and flown disaster relief in support of OPERATION TOMODACHI.
Captain Van Allen is a graduate of the Electronic Attack Weapons School and the Naval School of Aviation Safety. He has completed shore tours serving as a Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) instructor and as a Maritime Strike Planner in the J5 Plans Division of Naval Striking and Support Forces, NATO in Lisbon, Portugal. Captain Van Allen also had the distinct honor of commanding VAQ-129, the EA-18G FRS. Most recently, he served in the Pentagon assigned to the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisitions and Sustainment as military deputy to the Electromagnetic Warfare Director for Platform and Weapon Portfolio Management.
Captain Van Allen has accumulated over 3,200 flight hours and 600 carrier arrested landings. He is a recipient of the CDR Robert “Detox” Eastman III Inspirational Leadership Award. Other personal decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal (2), Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal Strike/Flight (6), Navy Commendation (4) with Combat V, Navy Achievement Medal, and various unit and campaign awards.
Last Updated: 12 July 2024