Commander Johan E. Suyderhoud is a native of Honolulu, HI. After graduating from high school in 2001 he attended Saint Louis University in Saint Louis, MO where he graduated in 2005 with BS in Aviation Sciences/Professional Pilot.
In October 2005 he attended Navy Officer Candidate School in Pensacola, FL and commissioned in January of 2006. He completed primary flight training at NAS Whiting Field, FL in January of 2007 and proceeded to NAS Kingsville, TX for advanced jet training. He received his “Wings of Gold” as a Naval Aviator in February of 2008. After a year of initial training in the F/A-18F Super Hornet at VFA-122 at NAS Lemoore, CA, he reported to VFA-102 in Atsugi, Japan for his first fleet tour. CDR Suyderhoud completed multiple deployments in the 7th Fleet AOR. While attached to VFA-102 he earned his Combat Wingman, Section Lead, Division Lead, and Level 3i qualifications.
In January of 2012, CDR Suyderhoud returned to VT-22 in Kingsville, TX as an Instructor Pilot. While attached, he flew more than 800 hours and qualified in every training block of the advanced jet syllabus. He was also the Instructor Under Training Head responsible for syllabus management and training of all new instructors to the unit.
In January of 2015, CDR Suyderhoud reported to SEAL Team ONE as their Fires Officer and JTAC lead. He deployed to Baghdad, Iraq with the team in February of 2016 where he ran the SOTF/CJSOTF Strike Cell controlling fires in support of Iraqi and US Special Operations Forces in multiple operations as well as targeted strikes encompassing over 480 kinetic strikes on the enemy.
CDR Suyderhoud departed SEAL Team ONE in February of 2017 for VFA-106 at NAS Oceana, VA where he completed a refresh syllabus in the F/A-18E Super Hornet. From there he reported to VFA-131 for his Department Head tour. While assigned to VFA-131 CDR Suyderhoud held positions as the Maintenance Officer, Safety Officer, and Operations Officer. He also earned his Airwing Mission Commander qualification.
Following a successful screening and selection program, CDR Suyderhoud then reported to IWSG in the National Capital Region where he was involved in research, development, testing, and evaluation.
In the late summer of 2022 CDR Suyderhoud was selected as the new Executive Officer for Commander, Fleet Activities Okinawa and he assumed the position in the Spring of 2023.
CDR Suyderhoud has accumulated more than 2600 flight hours in 6 different platforms. His decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal (2), and various unit and individual citations.
Last Updated: 18 July 2023