Executive OFFICER

Cmdr. Chris "Tuna" Salomon

A native of Pensacola, Florida, Cmdr. Salomon graduated from the University of Florida in 2006, earning a Bachelor of Science in Finance. He was commissioned through the NROTC program and reported to Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, Florida, for flight training in September 2006 and earned his “wings of gold” in March 2008. In April 2008, Salomon reported to the “Airwolves” of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 40 for initial fleet training in the SH-60B at Naval Station Mayport.

Salomon began his operational flying in December 2008 with the “Scorpions” of HSL-49. While a “Scorpion,” he made deployments onboard USS Thach (FFG 43) and USS Stockdale (DDG 106) in support of Operation Enduring Freedom serving as the detachment administration, assistant maintenance officer, and operations officer.

Salomon was selected to serve as a fleet replacement squadron (FRS) instructor and reported to the “Airwolves” of HSL-40 in March 2012. While at HSL/Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 40, Salomon served as the squadron NATOPS officer and the Atlantic Fleet MH-60R NATOPS evaluator.  In May 2014, he graduated from the University of Florida with a Master of Science in Business Administration.

Following his tour at the FRS, Salomon reported to the air department on USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) in February 2015 and made one deployment to the 5th Fleet area of operations. After serving as the hangar bay officer, handler, and mini boss while assigned to Iwo Jima, Salomon was selected as the 2016 NHA Shipboard Pilot of the Year.

In October 2016, Salomon re-designated into the Training and Administration of the Reserve (TAR) community and reported as a department head to the “Jaguars” of HSM-60 in July 2017. While with the Jaguars, he deployed aboard USS Gravely (DDG 107) and served as the squadron maintenance officer. In June 2019, Salomon completed Joint Professional Military Education Phase I through the Naval War College. While assigned to HSM-60, the squadron earned three Battle “E” awards and Salomon was selected as the 2019 HSM-60 Officer of the Year.

Following his department head tour, Salomon served as the helicopter program manager for Commander Naval Air Force Reserve. He selected for squadron command in March 2021 and reported to HSM-60 as executive officer in May 2023.

Salomon has accumulated over 2,200 flight hours flying the SH-60B and MH-60R helicopters. His awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (four awards), and multiple unit and service awards.