Executive Officer
Cmdr. Paul Bridgers
Cmdr. Paul “Brick” Bridgers is a native of Gaithersburg, Maryland. He was commissioned in 2008 through The United States Naval Academy where he received a Bachelor of Science in History and played varsity football.
In 2016, he received a Master of Science in Administration from Central Michigan University. He earned his “wings of gold” in 2010 following flight training in Pensacola, Florida. In 2010, he reported as a fleet replacement pilot to the "Seahawks" of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 41 in San Diego, California, for initial training in the MH-60R and was subsequently assigned to the “Raptors” of HSM-71 in San Diego, California, a Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9 Squadron. While assigned to Raptors, he deployed to the 5th and 7th Fleets aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), USS Pinckney (DDG 91), and USS Mobile Bay (CG 53).
In 2014, after the completion of his initial sea tour, he transferred to the “Airwolves” of HSM-40 and served as an instructor pilot in the MH-60R. During his tenure, the squadron twice received the Theodore G. Ellyson Award for top performance amongst all East Coast Fleet Replacement Squadrons. In 2016, Cmdr. Bridgers was selected as HSM-40’s Instructor Pilot of the Year.
In 2017, he transitioned back to sea as the assistant air officer (Miniboss) aboard USS Essex (LHD-2). While on-board Essex, he deployed to the 5th and 7th Fleets and earned his officer of the deck (underway) qualification. In 2019, he reported to the “Grandmasters of HSM-46 in Mayport, Florida as a department head. In 2020, he deployed aboard USS Thomas Hudner (DDG116) as officer in charge of Combat Element Two in support of NORTHCOM and 4th Fleet Tasking. He then served as the Squadron Operations Officer and Maintenance Officer completing a successful CNAF Aviation Maintenance Inspection and the maiden CVN embarkation for HSM-46 aboard USS George H.W. Bush.
During his time with the Grandmasters, the squadron earned the Battle “E” and he was selected as HSM-46 Officer of the Year for 2021. In 2022, he reported to NATO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium for an assignment as a staff officer on the International Military Staff where he provided military advice to the NATO Military Committee and the North Atlantic Counsel.
Cmdr. Bridgers reported to HSM-50, Mayport, Florida as Executive Officer in September 2024 after completing his refresher training at HSM-40 in Mayport, Florida. Commander Bridgers has accumulated over 2,200 mishap free flight hours in various aircraft. His personal decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal (Three Awards) and the Navy Achievement Medal, but most meaningful are his various unit and service awards.