CDR Mace

Commanding Officer
Strike Fighter Squadron
TWO SEVEN

Commander Mace, a native of Marblehead, Massachusettes, graduated from Bridgewater State College in Massachusetts in 1979 with a Bachelor of Science Degree, He was commissioned in September 1981 through the Aviation Officer Candidate Program, and subsequently designated a Naval Aviator in November of 1983.

Following replacement pilot training with HM-12 in Norfolk, Virginia, he reported to the "Checkertails" of VC-5 in Cubi Point, RP, where he flew both the A-4 "Skyhawk" and CH-53-E "Super Stallion" from January 1985 to October 1987. During this tour, Commander Mace reported to VT-23 in Kingsville, Texas for duty as an Intermediate Strike Flight Instructor in the T-2C "Buckeye". While assigned to the "Professionals", he served as both Standardization Officer and Training Officer.

In May 1990, Commander Mace joined the "Rough Raiders" of VFA-125 for replacement pilot training in the F/A-18 Hornet, and in January 1991 he reported to VFA-195 in Atsugi, Japan While assigned to the "Dambusters", Commander Mace served. as Squadron Training Officer and Administrative, Maintenance, and Operations Department Head. During this tour, he completed an extended deployment to the Indian Ocean/Persian Gulf onboard USS MIDWAY (CV-41), flying combat sorties during Operation DESERT STORM. He also completed two deployments to the Indian Ocean/Persian Gulf onboard USS INDEPENDENCE (CV-62), flying missions over Iraq in support of Operation SOUTHERN WATCH.

In April 1994, Commander Mace was assigned to VFA-125 in Lemoore, California for duty as an F/A-18 Fleet replacement instruction pilot. While attached to the "Rough Raiders", he served as the FRS Training Officer. He reported to the "Royal Maces" of VFA-27 as Executive Officer in July 1996. Commander Mace assumed command of the "Royal Maces" on October 3, 1997.

Commander Mace has accumulated over 4,300 flight hours including 2,000 hours in the F/A-18. His Decorations include the Strike Fighter Air Medal (two awards), Navy Commendation Medal with Gold Star and Combat Distinguishing Device, Navy Achievement Medal (two awards) and various unit and service awards.

Commander Mace is married to the former Kristine Kerr of Birmingham, Michigan. They have four sons, Jason, Joshua, Nathan, and Tyler.