SAN DIEGO - Lt. Cmdr. Tony Peters, a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Commander, Naval Air Forces (CNAF), supporting naval aviation around the world.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Caleb Kissner, Fleet Public Affairs Center San Diego |
Peters graduated from Delaware Military Academy in 2006 and earned a bachelor’s degree in applied engineering from Drexel University in 2010. Additionally, Peters earned a master’s degree in aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in 2016; a master’s degree in electrical engineering with a focus on power systems in 2017 and a doctorate in energy engineering with a focus in electrochemistry in 2020, both from the University of North Dakota; and a Doctor of Science in electrical engineering with a concentration in applied physics from Columbia University 2025.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Philadelphia.
“I learned how to work with my hands, be creative and find unique ways to solve problems with very limited resources,” Peters said. “Whether it was repairing windshields, building houses or doing electrical work in an attic, each problem required innovation and creative thinking. This helped me learn how to fly and work on aircraft as a pilot, and design complex space systems as an aerospace engineer. Some tasks were more time-critical than others, but each project allowed me an opportunity to succeed under pressure.”
Peters joined the Navy 16 years ago and was a helicopter pilot for eight years. Today, Peters serves as an aerospace engineering duty officer in the Force Readiness Analytics Group.
“I always wanted to be a scientist, and my father encouraged me to pursue the military as an avenue to learn useful skills and advance science so our country can benefit,” Peters said. “He served in the Persian Gulf as an Army officer, and my grandfather served in the Coast Guard during World War II. Service runs deep in our family, and shortly after 9/11, I attended military school and started my journey in uniform at a young age. The Navy seemed like a really good place for me to maintain a level of real-world impact and a great way for me to be able to do technical training. The Navy’s at the forefront of everything, from space to submarine warfare.”
Based at Naval Air Station North Island, California, CNAF oversees the Navy’s aircraft wings, squadrons, aircraft carriers, support facilities and training commands. CNAF is responsible for manning, training and equipping deployable, combat-ready naval aviation forces to compete and win in any environment.
“Our people are the very essence of naval aviation,” said Vice Adm. Douglas Verissimo, the commander of Naval Air Forces, also known as the ‘Air Boss.’ “Each individual’s commitment to excellence, from the flight deck to the maintenance bay, is what allows us to project power and ensure our nation’s security. It’s the dedication of every sailor and officer from every state and territory that fuels our warfighting readiness and guarantees our success in any environment.”
Naval aviation provides the Navy and our nation with a flexible, adaptable and lethal force to preserve peace, respond in crises and win decisively in combat. The U.S. Navy maintains and operates more than 2,000 aircraft to fulfill various mission sets in order to preserve the American way of life and ensure freedom, security and prosperity.
Peters has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“The fact that I have made it this far is a testament to the fact that I was lifted up and supported by the best people,” Peters said. “I had great sailors, chiefs, instructors, peers and mentors who all trusted me. The connection I’ve built with those who trust that I won’t let them down is a responsibility I don’t take lightly. Whether it was in the aircraft or running technical programs, I am most proud of the teams I have led and been a part of.”
This year, the Navy is commemorating its contribution to the nation’s defense as the United States celebrates 250 years of independence. According to Navy officials, for more than 250 years, the Navy has sailed the globe defending freedom and protecting prosperity.
With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber-optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
“Service requires sacrifice, discipline and a commitment to a selfless career in a continuously changing environment – and I love it,” Peters said. “The seemingly endless challenges that emerge from military service require me to constantly be thinking ahead, and while it may be tiring, it is extremely rewarding to leverage my talents and resolve.”
Peters is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my father, John Peters, because he is my hero,” Peters said. “I learned at a young age what it meant to sacrifice and learn what you are capable of when you are pressured up against the wall. Never give up, and if you go down – go down swinging.”