CDR Dave Conaway was born in Sherman, Texas and grew up in West Virginia and Kentucky. He graduated from the University of Kentucky in 1980 with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps.
An Honor graduate of the Marine Corps Basic School, he was designated a Naval Aviator in July 1982 at NAS Chase Field in Beeville, Texas. He was selectively retained as an instructor pilot in VT-26, NAS Chase Field until January 1984 at which time he reported to VFA-125, Lemoore, California for replacement pilot training in the F/A-18.
In July 1984, CDR Conaway reported to the VMFA-323 "Deathrattlers" and successfully completed the first Mediterranean deployment of the F/A-18 aboard the USS CORAL SEA, culminating in combat operations against Libya. During this tour, he deployed to Inshas Air Base, Egypt for joint expeditionary training and graduated from Topgun and the Marine Corps Weapons Tactics Instructor course, Yuma, Arizona.
In February 1988, CDR Conaway interservice transferred to the United States Navy and was assigned to the VFA-83 Rampagers were he served his senior Junior Officer and Department Head tours over the next 5 1/2 years. He completed 2 deployments aboard USS SARATOGA (CV-60) to the Mediterranean and Red Sea and participated in Operations Desert Shield and Storm.
CDR Conaway's next assignment was in Washington, D.C. from September 1993 until January 1995. At the Naval Aviation Systems Command, he worked at the F/A-18 Class Desk and managed F/A-18 system safety and the APG-73 program. Following refresher training in VFA-106, CDR Conaway reported to the VFA-195 Dambusters in late November 1995 and assumed command on April 5, 1997.
CDR Conaway has logged over 3400 flight hours and 588 arrested landings. His personal awards include 2 Air Medals with Combat V, 2 Strike Flight Air Medals, 5 Navy Commendation Medals (3 with Combat V) and 3 Navy Achievement Medals.
He is married to the fiery Cyndi Bouds-Conaway and they have two great kids, Michael, age 9, and Johny, age 7.