Commanding Officer
Cmdr. Daniel J. Berry
A native of Roswell, Georgia, Cmdr. Berry graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2005, earning a Bachelor of Science in Ocean Engineering. He was designated a naval aviator in 2007 and completed initial E-2C Hawkeye pilot training at VAW-120 in 2008.
Cmdr. Berry began his first operational tour in December 2008 with VAW-112. While a “Golden Hawk,” he made two deployments aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), participating in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation New Dawn. During this tour, Cmdr. Berry graduated from the Carrier Airborne Early Warning Weapons School Advanced Mission Commander Course and was selected 2012 ACCLOGWING West Coast Hawkeye Pilot of the Year.
In 2012, Cmdr. Berry returned to VAW-120 where he served as E-2C/D Flight Instructor and E-2C Naval Aircraft Training and Operating Procedures Standardization Program Manager. In 2015, he proceeded to COMNAVAIRLANT as Flag Aide to Commander, Naval Air Force, Atlantic.
Cmdr. Berry returned to the fleet in July 2016 as a Department Head at VAW-126. During his time with the “Seahawks,” he served as safety officer and maintenance officer and deployed aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.
Following his department head tour, Cmdr. Berry reported in January 2019 to the Strategy, Plans and Policy Directorate (J-5) for the Joint Chiefs of Staff as an action officer in the J-5 Western Hemisphere, Homeland Division.
In December 2021, Cmdr. Berry reported to the VAW-117 “Wallbangers” as the executive and commanding officer and deployed aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) in support of INDOPACOM operations.
Following his command tour, Cmdr. Berry served as the E-2C/D requirements officer in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations Air Warfare Division (OPNAV N98) from April to December 2024.
Cmdr. Berry has accumulated over 4,000 flight hours and 390 carrier arrested landings.
His awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Strike/Flight Air Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (4), and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (3).