Biography of the Deputy Superintendent / Chief of Staff

Colonel Roy Nicka

Colonel Roy Nicka is a 2000 graduate of the United States Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science degree in Weapons and Systems Engineering.  He was commissioned in May 2000, designated a Naval Aviator in May 2003, and completed his initial qualification in the F/A-18 in May 2004.

Colonel Nicka’s operational assignments include land-based Unit Deployment Programs with Marine Fighter Attack Squadrons 122 and 115, a Forward Air Controller Tour during Operation Iraqi Freedom with 1st Battalion, 9th Marines, and commanding Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 251 during Operation Inherent Resolve. He held squadron billets in operations, maintenance, and headquarters to include Powerline Officer, Safety Officer, Pilot Training Officer, Director of Safety and Standardization, Operations Officer, Maintenance Officer, Executive Officer, and Commanding Officer. In addition, he served as the Marine Aircraft Group 31 Operations Officer. He recently commanded Marine Aircraft Group 13, the Marine Corps’ first all 5th Generation Aircraft Group.

Colonel Nicka’s staff assignments include instructor pilot duty at Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1), where he served as the Marine Corps Subject Matter Expert on Fighter Attack Missions, Strike Mission Planning, F/A-18 Combat Systems, and Shot Validation.  Following command of the Thunderbolts, Colonel Nicka served as the United States Naval Academy Marine Detachment Chief of Staff and the Headquarters Marine Corps Department of Aviation, Air Warfare Systems – Tactical Aviation Branch Head.

Colonel Nicka earned a Master of Military Studies Degree from the Marine Corps Command and Staff College. He is also a graduate of the Air War College Distance Education Program and is currently enrolled in the Joint and Combined Warfighting School.  

Colonel Nicka has over 2,750 flight hours in the F/A-18A-D, F-5F/N, and the F-35B. He is a graduate of the Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN) and the MAWTS-1 Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course. He has been privileged to serve in units that have earned one Navy Unit Commendation and four Navy Meritorious Unit Commendations. 

Updated 9/24/2025