David Hunter Bankart
Naval Aviation And Aerospace
Aledo,TX
Summary
Senior executive with extensive experience in the aerospace industry. Effective communicator, transparent leader, and collaborative team builder. Top-secret/SCI (poly) cleared senior Navy executive leader and tactical aviator (Pilot) with 26 years of active-duty service. Currently serving as Tactical Support Wing Commander. Seeking executive-level program management position in aerospace to leverage relationship-building skills. Dedicated to credible federal, state, tactical, operational, and strategic Navy/Department of Defense efforts. Skilled in formulating strategic plans, providing vision, problem-solving, resource management, maximizing fiscal responsibility, and implementing strategic objectives. Well-equipped to make a significant impact in this role.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Wing Commander & Deputy Wing Commander (Chief Executive Officer)
Naval Air Station Fort Worth
Fort Worth, Texas
02.2023 - Current
- Championed innovative training programs alongside security experts for F-35C and F-16 operations; developed next-generation environments resulting in a notable increase of combat aircrew proficiency during both Carrier Based and Expeditionary deployments
- Led a diverse team of 1,546 personnel, delivering operational and logistical support across 12 aviation commands, including F-35C, F-16N, FA-18E/F, EA-18G, and F-5N+ platforms
- Oversaw three TS/SCI/SAP secure facilities and managed a 42-member administration and HR team, ensuring the global readiness.
- Leveraged expertise in strategic planning, resource allocation, and risk management to optimize mission success and minimize human error in high-stakes, dynamic environments
- Coordinated with senior military leadership, government agencies, and industry partners to execute joint operations across maritime, land, air, space, and cyber domains, driving interoperability and facilitating critical facility improvements within the Department of Defense
- Developed and implemented strategic updates to training operations to solve issues affecting efficiency, profitability, and production.
Executive Naval Advisor to the Commander 7th Air Forces, Integrated Joint Special Technical Operations (IJSTO) Program Director
U.S. Naval Forces Pacific Command
Osan, Republic Of South Korea
06.2021 - 06.2022
- Managed staff operations and administrative functions, ensuring the 3-star Commander received timely, actionable information for strategic decision-making
- Directed the Joint Special Technical Operations portfolio in the Korean and Pacific Maritime Theater of Operations (TS/SCI-Poly), aligning programs with mission goals
- Facilitated high-level discussions on Naval policies and operations, translating the commander's vision into actionable plans
- Coordinated the deployment of combat power, integrating US Carrier Strike Groups and Ballistic Missile Defense Ships to support US Forces Korea (USFK)
- Established long-term client relationships through consistent delivery of high-quality products and services.
Military Professor of Leadership and Ethics, Senior Military Officer Curriculum Developer
U.S. Naval War College
Newport, RI
05.2020 - 05.2021
- Optimized diverse instructional approaches to build innovative, cohesive teams, enhance communication networks, and foster empathetic problem-solving and leader self-awareness
- Led a cross-functional curriculum development team of education experts and Fortune 500 C-suite executives to create the Chief of Naval Operations' US Navy Flag Officer (2/3 Star) Leader Development Series (IFLEX/AFLEX), driving impactful leadership training for senior military leaders
- Enhanced student understanding by designing interactive and engaging lectures.
- Selected to remain on staff in the College of Leadership and Ethics as a future Military Professor and Doctoral Degree candidate (Jul 2019 - May 2020)
Commanding Officer & Executive Officer (Director of Operations)
Electronic Attack Squadron 138
Anacortes, Washington
02.2016 - 07.2019
- Led an award-winning Airborne Electronic Attack aircraft squadron on multiple deployments and joint-force exercises; established vision and policies necessary to align the organization with senior Navy and Department of Defense guidance
- Skillfully evaluated requirements, planned and led 196 personnel, maintained 5 EA-18G aircraft, managed an annual operating budget in excess of $12M while ensuring compliance with internal policies and government regulations in foreign countries.
- Maintained high morale communicating with families, squadron personnel, headquarters staff, and bilateral partner armed forces resulting in trust, transparent communications, and cohesive teams.
Naval Manpower Distribution Officer and Human Resource Specialist
Naval Personal Command
Millington, TN
07.2013 - 08.2015
- Reviews and analyzes statistical data to identify refinement techniques on personnel evaluations while assisting with job redistributions, training and education, military to civilian transitions, retirements and important legal record updates for over 1000 Officers
- Provided expertise, guidance, protocol refinement and one on one assistance to C-suite equivalent leaders to ensure accuracy in promotion board activities
- Performed ongoing operational process analysis, communicating project status and identifying and resolving operational constraints and issues.
Department Head (Chief Supervisor), Senior Weapons and Tactics Instructor/Training Officer
Electronic Attack Squadron 133
Anacortes, Washington
07.2010 - 07.2013
- Developed and maintained combat readiness while deployed to the Western Pacific and performed the duties of Operations Officer, Maintenance Officer, and Administrative Officer
- Managed $8M dollar Operational budget, equipment, and personnel resources efficiently to meet operational requirements and maximize effectiveness
- Analyzed opportunity to enforce organizational rules and incorporated policy changes into departments' day-to-day activities. Thrived in fast-paced and dynamic environments, remaining flexible and resilient in the face of evolving challenges
Education
Certificate in Strategic Communications -
Naval Post Graduate School
Monterey, CA 01.2024 - 02.2024
Major Command Leadership and Military Justice Course -
U.S. Navy
Newport, RI 06.2022 - 06.2022
Certificate in Coaching -
NeuroLeadership Institute
New York City, NY 10.2021 - 12.2021
M.A. National Security & Strategic Studies - Stockdale Fellow; Executive Ethics And Leadership
Naval War College
Newport, RI 07.2019 - 06.2020
Command Leadership Course - Ethics And Leadership
U.S. Navy
Newport, RI 07.2015 - 07.2015
B.S. - Psychology/Anthropology
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA 08.1995 - 05.1999
Skills
Websites
Militaryawards
Inspirational Leader of the Year, Commander Naval Air Forces (CNAF), 2014, 2009, 2008, Peer Selected
Timeline
Certificate in Strategic Communications -
Naval Post Graduate School
01.2024 - 02.2024
Wing Commander & Deputy Wing Commander (Chief Executive Officer)
Naval Air Station Fort Worth
02.2023 - Current
Major Command Leadership and Military Justice Course -
U.S. Navy
06.2022 - 06.2022
Certificate in Coaching -
NeuroLeadership Institute
10.2021 - 12.2021
Executive Naval Advisor to the Commander 7th Air Forces, Integrated Joint Special Technical Operations (IJSTO) Program Director
U.S. Naval Forces Pacific Command
06.2021 - 06.2022
Military Professor of Leadership and Ethics, Senior Military Officer Curriculum Developer
U.S. Naval War College
05.2020 - 05.2021
M.A. National Security & Strategic Studies - Stockdale Fellow; Executive Ethics And Leadership
Naval War College
07.2019 - 06.2020
Commanding Officer & Executive Officer (Director of Operations)
Electronic Attack Squadron 138
02.2016 - 07.2019
Command Leadership Course - Ethics And Leadership
U.S. Navy
07.2015 - 07.2015
Naval Manpower Distribution Officer and Human Resource Specialist
Naval Personal Command
07.2013 - 08.2015
Department Head (Chief Supervisor), Senior Weapons and Tactics Instructor/Training Officer
Electronic Attack Squadron 133
07.2010 - 07.2013
B.S. - Psychology/Anthropology
James Madison University
08.1995 - 05.1999