Commander Jeff Trent, a native of South Brunswick, New Jersey, was awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from Jacksonville University in 1986. Upon graduation, he was commissioned an ensign in the United States Navy through the NROTC Scholarship Program and reported for pilot training at Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, Florida.  CDR Trent earned his naval aviator wings in December 1987.

Commander Trent then reported to Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron ONE ONE ZERO (VAW-110) for training in the E-2C Hawkeye aircraft at NAS Miramar, San Diego, California.  His initial fleet assignment was with the Wallbangers of VAW-117 at NAS Miramar. Commander Trent deployed on board USS Enterprise (CVN 65) and USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) and participated in Operations DESERT STORM and SOUTHERN WATCH.

At the completion of his initial sea tour, Commander Trent returned to VAW-110 as a Fleet Replacement Instructor Pilot and Carrier Qualification Phase Head.  He then reported to Carrier Air Wing ELEVEN (CVW-11) as Staff Landing Signal Officer (LSO) and Safety Officer. While assigned to CVW-11, Commander Trent deployed to the Arabian Gulf in support of Operation SOUTHERN WATCH.  He was selected as the Pacific Fleet LSO of the Year during his CVW “Paddles” tour.  His next assignment was as Officer in Charge of the U.S. Navy Landing Signal Officer School at NAS Oceana, in Virginia Beach, VA.

Commander Trent returned to Miramar and reported to the Golden Hawks of VAW-112 in August 1997 where he served as Safety and Maintenance Officer and completed a deployment to the Arabian Gulf aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68) in support of Operation SOUTHERN WATCH.

Upon completion of his tour in VAW-112, Commander Trent was selected for duty in the Pentagon as Flag Aide to the Chief of Naval Operations. In August 2000, he reported to the National Defense University and was awarded a Master of Science degree in National Resource Strategy from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces in June 2001.

Commander Trent returned to the Golden Hawks as Executive Officer in April 2002 and assumed command in May 2003.  He deployed aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM and to the Western Pacific on board USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) in support of the Global War on Terror.  He reported to the Joint Staff Strategic Plans and Policy Directorate (J-5) in October 2004.  His assignments included the China-Taiwan-Mongolia Strategy and Policy Branch and Afghanistan Strategy and Policy Branch.  Commander Trent was selected as the J-5 Directorate Action Officer of the Year for 2005.

Commander Trent has accumulated over 3,800 flight hours and 500 carrier arrested landings.  He is a two-time recipient of the peer-selected Navy and Marine Association Leadership Award and is authorized to wear the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (six), Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (three), and various unit, campaign and service awards.