NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND, PATUXENT RIVER, Md. -- Strike Fighter Squadron 22’s (VFA-22) commanding officer performed his 1000th carrier arrestment from an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar-equipped F/A-18F on the USS Ronald Reagan Sept. 11.

Cmdr. Christopher “Gator” Chope reached this career milestone, accumulated over 17 years, after a flight over Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

“The significance of reaching this milestone on 9/11, after a flight over Afghanistan no less, is not lost on anyone. Despite the fact that this milestone was uniquely mine, it’s shared with countless pilots and maintenance professionals throughout the Fleet with whom I’ve been lucky enough to serve,” said Chope.

Following graduation from The Citadel, Chope was commissioned in the Navy in 1989 and was designated a naval flight officer in 1990. He flew A-6 Intruders and F-14 Tomcats before flying F/A-18 Hornets as the executive officer of Strike Fighter Squadron 122, the Super Hornet Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS).

Chope said some of his most memorable traps were those with young pilots conducting their initial carrier qualification in the jet while he was an FRS instructor.

“Introducing young aviators to the unique profession of carrier aviation is quite an honor,” said Chope.

“The 1,000th carrier arrestment is recognition of a career spent doing what I love. “So very few carrier aviators are lucky enough to reach this milestone, and I’m honored to join them as a member of the grand club,” said Chope.

VFA-22 was the first F/A-18 squadron to deploy with the AESA radar this past summer.

Tracking twice as many targets as the radar it replaces, the AESA-equipped F/A-18F Chope was flying features active electronic beam steering, which allows the radar beam to be repositioned nearly instantaneously.

“The incorporation of the AESA radar has revolutionized the F/A-18 and EA-18G fleet,” said Cmdr. Andrew McFarland, F/A-18 & EA-18G Radar Integrated Product Team military lead for the Navy.

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Award Cutline: Cmdr. Christopher “Gator” Chope receives recognition for his 1000th arrestment, made Sept. 11 aboard the USS Ronald Reagan. (Photo by Mass Communication Specialists 3rd Class (AW) Gary Prill)

Arrest Cutline: Cmdr. Christopher “Gator” Chope makes his 1000th carrier arrestment in an AESA-equipped F/A-18 Sept. 11. (Photo by Lt. Charles Waltman)