Commodore, Naval Test Wing Atlantic

Originally from Silver Spring, MD, Capt. Daniel “Tonto” Kitts received his commission from the United States Naval Academy in 2001 graduating with distinction and receiving a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering. CAPT Kitts was designated a Naval Aviator in September 2003. Following flight school, he received orders to the “Gladiators” of VFA-106 at NAS Oceana for F/A-18C Hornet training.

His first operational fleet assignment was as a member of the “Ragin’ Bulls” of VFA-37 located at NAS Oceana, VA. The squadron embarked to the Arabian Gulf aboard the USS HARRY S TRUMAN (CVN 75) in support of OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM.

In May 2007, Capt. Kitts was selected to attend the United States Naval Test Pilot School in Patuxent River, MD, Class 133. Upon completion of Test Pilot School he completed a tour as a developmental test pilot at VX-23 in Patuxent River, MD. Upon the completion of his tour at VX-23 he reported to CVW-5 in Atsugi, Japan where he served as the Strike Operations Officer. As a member of the Forward Deployed Naval Force he deployed aboard the USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73) in the Western Pacific.

In August 2012, Capt. Kitts reported to the “Sidewinders” of VFA-86 at NAS Lemoore, CA. As a department head in VFA-86, he embarked on USS RONALD REAGAN (CVN 76) in the Pacific.

In December 2014, Capt. Kitts received orders back to VX-23 where he served as a developmental test pilot and the carrier suitability lead for the F-35C test program and in October 2017, he reported to Strike Fighter Squadron ONE FOUR SEVEN (VFA-147) as Executive Officer. He completed his tour as Commanding Officer of VFA-147 in May 2020 having successfully transitioned the first Navy operational squadron from the F/A-18E to the F-35C and earning both the 2020 Battle ‘E’ and Safety ‘S’ awards.

Capt. Kitts reported to the Chief of Naval Operations Staff, Air Warfare (N98) as the F-35C Requirements Officer in July 2020. In March 2019 he was selected for bonus command and reported to VX-23 in August 2021 as Chief Test Pilot.  He became the Commanding Officer of VX-23 in June 2022 and successfully served in that role until January 2024.

He then reported to PMA-298 the Mission Integration and Special Programs Office for Naval Air Systems Command in February 2024 and served as the System of Systems Analysis, Modeling, and Integration military IPT lead until April 2025. Following that, he assumed command of Naval Test Wing Atlantic in July 2025.

His personal awards include the Navy Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), Strike Flight Air Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (four awards), the Navy Achievement Medal (three awards) and various campaign and unit awards.