Capt. Stephen L. Drake resided in Fairbanks, Indiana until entering Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana. Following graduation, he received his commission through the Reserve Officer Candidate Program, Newport, Rhode Island in November, 1972.
Designated a Naval Aviator in March, 1974 at Naval Air Station Chase field, Beeville, Texas, Capt. Drake completed F4 Phantom training at VF-l 01, Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia Beach, Virginia and reported to the TOMCATTERS of VF-3 1 in July, 1975 flying the F-4J. During his tour, he made two Mediterranean deployments on board USS Saratoga (CV-60).
In February, 1978, Capt. Drake joined the CHALLENGERS of VF-43 as an instructor and aggressor pilot flying the F-5, T-38 and A-4E/F. He transitioned to the F-4 TOMCAT in September, 1980 and reported to the SWORDSMEN of VF-32. He participated in operations in Grenada and made two Mediterranean deployments on board USS Independence (CV-62), participating in operations in Lebanon. In January, 1984, he reported for additional duty to CTF 60 where he planned and orchestrated a multi-national war-at-sea exercise to sink an ex-French destroyer in the Mediterranean.
Capt. Drake joined the EVALUATORS of Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 4 (VX-4) in April, 1984, where he participated in operational testing of the F-4A, F/A- 18 aircraft and AIM 54 A/C, AIM 7M and AIM 9M air-to~air missiles. In April, 1986, he joined commander, Cruiser Destroyer Group Three as Anti-Air Warfare/Assistant Air Operations Officer where he completed two Western Pacific/Indian Ocean/Northern Pacific/Mediterranean deployments with Battle Group Foxtrot on board USS Enterprise (CVN-65). He participated in operations off the Libyan coast and Operation Praying Mantis which struck Iranian oil platforms in the Persian Gulf, ultimately sinking or disabling three Iranian war ships.
Capt. Drake reported as executive officer of Naval Air Facility El Centro in September, 1988. Performing service to the fleet, NAF El Centro hosted more than 15,000 temporary additional duty personnel conducting unit level training in the surrounding target areas.
Following F-4 refresher training, Capt. Drake reported as executive officer of the BLACK LIONS of VF-213 in August, 1990 and assumed command in October, 1991, winning the coveted MUTHA Trophy for best fighter squadron at Naval Air Station Miramar. He completed the maiden deployment on board USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) around South America and deployed to the Arabian Gulf in support of Operation Desert Storm.
Capt. Drake reported in March, 1993 to USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) as operations officer. During his tour, Lincoln won the Battle Efficiency award and two operations department Battle Efficiency awards and completed two deployments conducting operations in the Arabian Gulf in support of Operation Southern Watch and Vigilant Sentinel.
During his career, Capt. Drake accumulated more than 4,000 flight hours and 747 arrested landings. His personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (two awards); Nay) Commendation Medal (four awards); Navy Achievement Medal and other unit and service awards.
Capt. Drake is married to the former Joyce Dodson of Phoenix, Arizona. They have three children: Melissa, David and Daniel.
