Rear Adm. Fredrick “Lucky” R. Luchtman is a native of Auburn Hills, Michigan, and a 1989 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy. In December 1991, he was designated a Naval Aviator in Beeville, Texas. He is also a graduate of the Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN) and of the Naval War College, earning a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies.

As a career F/A-18 Hornet and Super Hornet pilot, he commanded Carrier Air Wing Seven (CVW-7) and Strike Fighter Squadron Fifteen (VFA-15). Luchtman also deployed with VFA-82, VFA-136, VFA-131, and CVW-2. He participated in Operations Southern Watch, Deny Flight, Deliberate Force, Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, and Inherent Resolve.

Ashore, Luchtman has served as a Strike Fighter Tactics instructor at Strike Fighter Weapons School Atlantic; C4 Systems chief at U.S. Strategic Command; Tactical Air Commander detailer and executive assistant to Commander, Navy Personnel Command; and executive assistant to Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet. He was promoted to flag rank in August 2018 after assuming his role as Physiological Episodes Action Team (PEAT) lead.

In April 2020, Luchtman assumed his current position as commander of the former Naval Safety Center, now the Naval Safety Command as of February 2022.

He has accumulated more than 4,000 hours and 1,000 carrier-arrested landings in Navy jet aircraft.

His personal awards include the Legion of Merit (four awards), Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with Combat “V,” Strike/Flight Air Medal (eight awards), and other personal and unit awards.

Last Updated: 8 March 2024