Executive Officer
Cmdr. Christopher Jenkins
Cmdr. Christopher Jenkins is a native of Chicago, Illinois. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2008 with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science. In 2017, he received a Master of Arts from the Fletcher School of Law & Diplomacy at Tufts University. He was designated a Naval Aviator in July 2010.
Cmdr. Jenkins’ operational tours began at HSL-46 in Mayport, Florida. He completed two CSG deployments in support of 5th and 6th Fleets; aboard USS Nitze (DDG 94) and USS Bulkeley (DDG 84). In 2014, he was selected as the Squadron Pilot of the Year and was instrumental in the squadron earning the Battle “E”.
His first shore tour was at HSM-40; serving as an instructor pilot, ground safety officer, schedule writer, student NATOPS officer and the CNAL MH-60R NATOPS unit evaluator. In 2017, he led HSM-40’s contingent of three aircraft and 37 personnel in support HADR operations aboard USS New York (LPD 21) after Hurricanes Matthew and Irma. Cmdr. Jenkins was chosen as HSM-40’s 2017 Instructor Pilot of the Year.
In January 2018, Jenkins transferred to Navy Personnel Command in Millington, Tennessee, where he served as an action officer for PERS-43.
In 2019, he reported to HSM-72 in Jacksonville. He served as the Training Officer, OIC of Combat Element Two aboard USS Lassen (DDG 82) where he supported operations in 2nd, 4th, 5th and 6th Fleets and as the squadron’s maintenance officer. During his tenure, the squadron twice received the Battle “E”. He was selected as the 2021 CVW-1 department head of the year and HSM-72 officer of the year.
Cmdr. Jenkins completed his joint tour as an action officer in the Current Operations Branch at NATO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. He reported as Executive Officer to the “Proud Warriors” of HSM-72 in November 2024.
Cmdr. Jenkins personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (three awards), Navy Achievement Medal (three awards), as well as various unit and campaign awards. He has accumulated over 2,600 flight hours.