Captain Rodney "Hot Rod" Erler 

Commander Task Force 72 / Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing

Captain Rodney C. Erler, Jr, is a native of Salem, Oregon. He enlisted in 1995 and served as a P-3C Flight Engineer with Patrol Squadron ONE (VP-1). Following selection into the Seaman-To-Admiral commissioning program, he graduated in 2003 Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management from Jacksonville University.  He earned his Wings of Gold in 2004 after graduating on the Commodore’s List with Distinction.  He holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from Columbia College and a Master of Science in Strategic Studies from the Air University.

His operational assignments include serving as the Chief of Operations for Task Force SEVEN TWO (CTF-72) in Misawa, Japan, Commanding Officer of Patrol Squadron EIGHT (VP-8) in Jacksonville, FL, Department Head with Patrol Squadron SIXTEEN (VP-16) in Jacksonville, FL, USS NIMITZ (CVN 68) as Assistant Operations Officer and Officer Of the Deck (U/W), and Patrol Squadron ONE (VP-1) and Patrol Squadron FORTY (VP-40) in Whidbey Island, WA.

Shore assignments included the Air War College, Naval Personnel Command (PERS 43) as the Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Force Placement Officer, and Patrol Squadron THIRTY (VP-30) as a Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) instructor pilot and Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI).

He has accumulated over 5,000 hours in the P-3C Orion, P-8A Poseidon, and various other aircraft. Military decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and other personal, service, and campaign awards.