CAPT Robert P. Wright Bio

Captain Robert P. Wright, a native of Boston, MA, was awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in Earth Science from Framingham State College, and a Masters Degree in Space Systems Operations from the Naval Post Graduate School, Monterey, CA. He was commissioned at Pensacola, FL in February 1978 and designated a naval aviator in September 1979.

CAPT Wright reported directly to his fleet squadron VFP-63, NAS Miramar, CA for RF-8G fleet training and deployment to the Persian Gulf aboard USS Independence (CV-62). He attended Naval Post Graduate School June 1982 to June 1984 and upon graduation reported for F-14 Fleet Training to VF-101, NAS Oceana, VA. In March 1985 he reported to VF-102 for deployments aboard USS America (CV-66) to the North Atlantic and Mediterranean where he took part in combat operations against Libya. He reported back to VF-101 in March 1987 for F-14 Instructor Duty and Program Development as the F-14A Operational Model Manager. During his Program Development tour he established the F-14A+ syllabus and directed fleet introduction of this new aircraft. CAPT Wright left active service in March 1990 and affiliated with reserve fighter squadron VF-1486 based at NAS Oceana.

CAPT Wright began his affiliation with the Space & Network Warfare Program (SNWP) in April 1992 where he served as Naval Space Command 0166 Operations and Executive Officer, and assumed command of Naval Space Command 0266 in October 1996. CAPT Wright reported to USSPACECOM 0188 in September 1998 and assumed command June 2000. Concurrently with reserve command, CAPT Wright covered an active duty position as USSPACECOM Liaison Officer to USSOUTHCOM as the first ever U.S. military reservist qualified to represent Commander USSPACECOM in direct liaison support to Regional Combatant Commanders and saw subsequent duty in every regional theater.

In October 2002, CAPT Wright reported as Chief of Staff for Naval Network Operations Command 0166, and was nominated as Director SNWP in October 2003. As Director, he guided reserve component mergers transforming SNWP from a primary mission focus of Space/ISR towards the sole Navy Reserve entity representing a broad Network-Centric Warfare focus. He left a program comprising 750+ reservists and 26 reserve units supporting USSTRATCOM, NETWARCOM, and SPAWAR.

In October 2005, CAPT Wright assumed command of U.S. Fleet Forces Command (USFF) JTF DET 100 and provided key oversight for a broad mission realignment of four USFF JTF units providing support in emerging operational roles as JFMCC NORTH, NAVSTRAT, and JFCOM JTF support roles. CAPT Wright mobilized as Director Strategic Communication, Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) in September 2006. He was selected for flag promotion upon his return in February 2008.

In his civilian occupation, CAPT Wright is a Captain for Delta Air lines. He is married to the former Maura Jayne Walsh from Needham, MA and resides in Atlanta, GA with their three children – Darragh, Chase, and Isabelle.