Commanding Officer
Cmdr. Michael Henderson

Cmdr. Michael Henderson hails from San Antonio, Texas.  He graduated in 2003 from the U.S. Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics and in 2017 from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University with a Master of Science degree in Logistics and Supply Chain Management.  He was designated a naval aviator in 2005 after flight training tours with Training Squadron (VT) 28 and Helicopter Training Squadron (HT) 18. 

Henderson’s first sea duty assignment was with the Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HSL) 46 “Grandmasters”, flying the venerable SH-60B  Light Airborne Multi-Purpose System (LAMPS) MK III Seahawk helicopter.  There, his air detachments deployed twice to 5th and 6th fleets aboard the USS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98) and USS Gettysburg (CG 64) in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.  In 2012, he qualified in the mighty MH-60R helicopter and returned to the newly formed and renamed Helicopter Maritime Strike (HSM) Squadron 46, still the “Grandmasters,” as their squadron Seahawk weapons and tactics instructor, additionally augmenting a detachment aboard the USS Bulkeley (DDG 84).  For his follow-on department head sea tour in 2014, he was assigned to the HSL-48 “Vipers” during their SH-60B to MH-60R transition.  Once there, he volunteered as an individual augmenter to the Marine Corps Combat Development Command.  Upon his return to the now HSM-48, “Vipers”, he served as their training and operations officer. 

Henderson’s first shore duty assignment in late 2009 was with the Helicopter Maritime Strike Weapons School Atlantic “Talons”, where he was the helicopter advanced readiness program officer.  Later in 2016, he became a counter-narcotics analyst at the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy in the Executive Office of the President. 

Henderson has flown over 2,300 flight hours in naval aircraft. His personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal (Strike/Flight), Navy and Marine Commendation Medal (3 awards), Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2 awards), and several campaign, unit, and service awards.