Executive Officer
Cmdr. David Mendonsa
Cmdr. Mendonsa is a native of Chesapeake, Virginia. He graduated from Virginia Polytechnic University in 2008 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History receiving his commission through Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC).
After initial flight training in Pensacola, Florida, Cmdr. Mendonsa was awarded his wings and designated a Naval Aviator in 2010. Following his initial orders to HSL 40, the SH-60B Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) for training in the SH-60B, he reported to the "Grandmasters" of HSL-46 where he was a plankowner in the transition to HSM-46.
While a "Grandmaster", he transitioned to the MH-60R, completed the aircraft commander qualification process and deployed onboard the USS Taylor (FFG 50) to the 6th Fleet AOR. In August of 2014, he reported to the “Airwolves” of HSM-40 as an instructor pilot, where he was selected as the Commander Naval Air Forces Atlantic Search and Rescue (SAR) evaluator, standardizing U.S. Navy SAR operations across the fleet.
He next reported to Commander Seventh Fleet (C7F) as a mission planner where he was directly involved in 7th Fleet combat readiness. In addition, he qualified as a battle watch captain directly responsible to the C7F Chief of Staff.
Cmdr. Mendonsa served his department head tour with the “Proud Warriors” of HSM-72 in Jacksonville, Florida. While a "Proud Warrior", he served as the safety officer, training officer, CEL 1 OIC and maintenance officer while assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1 on board USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75).
Cmdr. Mendonsa’s personal decorations include the Navy Commendation Medal (three awards) and the Navy Achievement Medal (one award).