Executive Officer

Commander Ledesma hails from La Place, Louisiana, and joined the Navy via the Broadened Opportunity for Officer Selection and Training (BOOST) Program in 1995. Upon graduation, he joined the NROTC Unit at Tulane University and graduated with a BS in Computer Science in 2000.

Commander Ledesma was designated a Naval Aviator in 2002 and was selected to fly the E-2C Hawkeye. After initial training, he reported to the “Tigertails” of VAW-125 in Norfolk, Virginia for his initial sea tour where he served as Landing Signal Officer, NATOPS Officer, Pilot Training Officer, and Aviation Safety Officer. His follow-on tour in 2006 was with the “Fighting Redhawks” of VT-21 in Kingsville, Texas, serving as an Instructor Pilot in the T-45C Goshawk. At the end of his tour, he was selected for transition to the Strike Fighter community. In 2009, he reported to VFA-122 in Lemoore, California, for initial training in the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet and follow-on orders to join the “Black Aces” of VFA-41. During this tour he served as Personnel Officer, Quality Assurance Officer, and flew combat missions in support of Operations New Dawn and Enduring Freedom. In 2012, he reported to the “Red Rippers” of VFA-11 in Virginia Beach, Virginia, for his Department Head tour. He served as Safety Officer, Operations Officer, and led combat missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. After completion of his Department Head tour in 2015, he proceeded to the Naval School of Aviation Safety in Pensacola, Florida, to instruct fleet aviators in Aviation Safety Management and Accident Investigations. Prior to checking onboard UNM in August of 2020, he served as the Strike Operations Officer aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70).

CDR Ledesma has accumulated over 3,500 flight hours and over 400 carrier-arrested landings. His personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medal, as well as various service and campaign medals.