Commander Joshua Silva grew up in South Texas and graduated from The University of Texas at Austin in 2006 obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. He received his Master of Public Administration from The University of Washington in 2023.
Following commissioning through Reserve Officer Training Corps he reported to Pensacola, Florida for Aviation Preflight Indoctrination and primary flight training. CDR Silva reported to Randolph AFB, San Antonio in 2007 where he completed intermediate flight school in May 2008 earning his “Wings of Gold.”
In June 2008, CDR Silva reported to the P-3C Orion Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS), VP-30. Upon completion of training in January 2009 he reported to Patrol Squadron TEN, homeported in Brunswick, Maine and Jacksonville, Florida. Here he completed two deployments to the FIFTH Fleet Area of Operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. While at VP-10, he was designated a Mission Commander, Instructor TACCO, and Weapons and Tactics Instructor and completed his tour serving as NFO Training Officer.
In the summer of 2012, CDR Silva transferred to Tactical Operations Center Kadena under Commander, Task Force SEVEN TWO. There he oversaw and planned numerous exercises, including ANNUALEX, the largest bi-lateral exercise between the U.S. and Japan. CDR Silva served as Mission Completion and Evaluation Officer, CSM, Operations Officer, and Assistant TOC Director.
In September 2015, CDR Silva reported to USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN 71) as Catapult and Arresting Gear Officer (Shooter). While aboard “The Big Stick”, CDR Silva served as Bow and Waist Branch Officer and V-1 Division Officer.
Following a transition to the P-8A Poseidon Aircraft, CDR Silva was assigned to Patrol Squadron NINE in May 2018 for his Department Head tour completing their inaugural P-8 deployment to the SIXTH Fleet Area of Responsibility. There he served as Tactics Officer, Training Officer, and Maintenance Officer. During his tour, VP-9 received the Battle Efficiency Award, The Golden Wrench for maintenance excellence, and the Arnold J. Isabel Trophy for ASW excellence.
CDR Silva reported to Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing TEN in August 2020 serving as Assistant Operations Officer and Training Officer where he oversaw the training and readiness of eight subordinate squadrons.
In May of 2023, CDR Silva reported to Carrier Strike Group THREE as Antiterrorism and Force Protection Officer and deploying to FIFTH and SEVENTH Fleet Areas of Responsibility.
CDR Silva currently serves as the Executive Officer at University of Oklahoma Naval ROTC. His personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (three awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two awards) and various unit awards and campaign medals.
