Woods has served with VFA-125 at Naval Air Station Lemoore, California, since late 2023. He trains new U.S. Navy and Marine Corps pilots and experienced aviators preparing to become squadron instructors.
“This level of joint training and integration between the F-35 partner nations at the tactical and operational level is essential,” Woods said. “It’s needed to drive the ultimate objective of multi-national compatibility and integration in theatre.”
Woods began working with U.S. naval aviation after completing Basic Fast Jet Training on the Tucano with 72 Squadron at RAF Linton-on-Ouse. He moved to Meridian, Mississippi, in 2018 and trained on the T-45.
Woods qualified for carrier operations by landing on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower. He received U.S. naval aviator wings and became a “Tailhooker.”
He later moved to NAS Oceana, Virginia, to convert to the F/A-18 with VFA-106. Woods joined front-line squadron VFA-211 in September 2020 and flew the F/A-18E Super Hornet.
Following training at NAS Fallon under TOPGUN oversight, Woods deployed aboard USS Harry S. Truman to the Mediterranean. The deployment coincided with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Woods served as the carrier strike group’s Defensive Counter Air alert lead. He also flew Enhanced Air Patrol missions over Romania with AIM-120 and AIM-9X missiles and the Super Hornet’s 20mm Vulcan cannon.
The Royal Navy said the patrols were intended to deter Russian aggression and demonstrate NATO’s Article 5 resolve. Woods also trained with Royal Air Force, Spanish and Greek fighter aircraft during the deployment.
After completing his front-line tour with almost 300 carrier deck landings, Woods joined VFA-125. He now trains pilots to operate the U.S. Navy’s carrier-based fifth-generation fighter.
The F-35C has larger wings than the F-35A and F-35B. The design allows slower catapult launches and arrested landings and provides increased fuel capacity.
The carrier variant also has a tail hook, reinforced landing gear and folding wings. These modifications support operations from U.S. aircraft carriers.
Woods also serves as VFA-125’s Assistant Operations Officer. He plans and manages training, coordinates maintenance and training departments, and manages access to training ranges.
Woods said he hoped more Royal Navy pilots would work alongside the United Kingdom’s F-35 partners. “By training together, we ensure that we’re ready to stand together, if the time arises.”
