Executive Officer
Cmdr. Patrick "Ned" Dunn
Cmdr. Patrick “Ned” Dunn, grew up in Littleton, Colorado, and graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2007 with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science. That same year, he earned a Master of Arts in Security Studies from Georgetown University. He was “winged” as a naval aviator in August of 2009.
Upon completion of initial fleet replacement squadron training, he reported to the “Indians” of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 6 flying the SH-60F and HH-60H. After two years, the squadron transitioned to fly the MH-60S and he became a plank-owner of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 6. While there, he deployed with the USS Nimitz (CVN 68) and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11 and was the first fleet Lieutenant qualified to instruct the M-197 20mm cannon. Dunn then reported to the Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center (now NAWDC) from June 2013 through February 2016, where he served as a Seahawk Weapons and Tactics Instructor (SWTI), air wing combat search and rescue (CSAR) instructor, and mountain flying instructor. During this tour, he was the Navy helicopter subject matter expert for precision guided weapons, non-precision weapons, aerial gunnery, and weaponeering. As a trusted agent and tactician, he was instrumental in bringing the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) to the fleet.
In February 2016, Dunn reported to the “Dusty Dogs” of HSC-7 as the Tactics Officer and immediately deployed with CVW-3 and the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) supporting Operation Inherent Resolve. In October 2017, he was assistant officer in charge of the Hurricane Harvey relief detachment, flying to Houston, Texas, supporting joint recovery operations. In January 2018, Dunn reported to the “Dragon Whales” of HSC-28 as a department head and served as detachment officer in charge, training officer, operations officer, and maintenance officer. As officer in charge, he led the detachment four “Huntsmen” aboard USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) supporting Combined Task Force 51-5, Task Force 111, and crisis response forces operating throughout the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) area of responsibility.
In August 2020, he was assigned to the Studies, Analysis, and Gaming Division of the Joint Staff where he designed, executed, and facilitated strategic level tabletop exercises and wargames on various political, military, and strategic topics for the Secretary of Defense, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and other principal members of the national security enterprise.
He has accumulated over 2,500 flight hours in the H-60 and is authorized to wear the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Individual Action Air Medal, and other awards, each a testament to the superlative teams and personnel with whom he has been privileged to serve.