Commander Rachel Tarbox is a native of Columbus, Ohio. She graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2008 with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science. She was designated a Naval Aviator in January 2011. In 2017, she received her Masters in Business Administration from the University of Florida.
After completing initial Fleet Replacement training with Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 41 at Naval Air Station (NAS) North Island, CDR Tarbox began her operational flying in January 2012 with the HSM-75 “Wolf Pack” in Coronado, California. She completed the squadron’s first Carrier Air Wing (CVW) Deployment as part of CVW 11 onboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68) and USS Shoup (DDG 86) in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Syria contingency operations in the Red Sea.
In 2015 CDR Tarbox joined HSM-40, in Mayport, FL, as a fleet replacement squadron (FRS) instructor pilot. While at HSM-40 she served as a Schedule Writer, Maintenance Division Officer, and Squadron NATOPS Officer. During her tenure, the squadron twice received the Theodore G. Ellyson Award for top production of all east coast Fleet Replacement Squadrons.
In June 2017, Tarbox was assigned to the aviation distribution division (PERS-43) at Navy Personnel Command in Millington, Tennessee, as the Helicopter Junior Officer Assignments detailer.
In July 2019 she reported to the HSM-79 “Griffins” in Coronado, CA for her Department Head Tour. She deployed with the squadron onboard the USS Lincoln, CVN 72, as part of CVW-7 and flew operations in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel in the 5th Fleet AOR. While at HSM-79 she initially served as the Future Operations Officer and was in charge of planning the squadron’s Home Port Shift from San Diego, CA to Rota, Spain. She spent the remainder of her time as Operations Officer and was selected as the HSM-79 2021 Officer of the Year.
CDR Tarbox completed her joint tour serving as an Action Officer at Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) in Mons, Belgium. In March 2022, she screened for Aviation Operational Command and is slated to lead the Warlords of HSM-51.
Commander Tarbox’s personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (three awards), Navy Achievement Medal, as well as various unit and campaign awards. She has accumulated over 2,200 flight hours. She is married and has one son.