Executive Officer
Cmdr. Margan Melhorn
Cmdr. Margan Melhorn is a native of Camarillo, California. She graduated from Purdue University in 2009 with a bachelor’s degree in aviation technology. She was designated a naval aviator in 2011 and assigned to Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 10 in San Diego, California, for fleet replacement training in the SH-60F/HH-60H Seahawk helicopter.
Upon completion of this training, Melhorn reported to HS-15 in San Diego, California, where she deployed aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. After deployment, she completed training in the MH-60S Seahawk helicopter and deployed with Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 15 in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. In June 2015, she reported to Helicopter Sea Combat Weapons School Pacific (HSCWSP) in San Diego, California, where she served as a Seahawk Weapons and Tactics Instructor (SWTI).
In January 2018, Melhorn reported to HSC-12, Atsugi, Japan, where she served as the training officer, tactics officer, and Blackbeard detachment officer-in-charge. She deployed aboard USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) in support of operations in U.S. 7th Fleet as well as exercises Valiant Shield and Talisman Saber. In January 2020, she reported to HSC-6 in San Diego, California, where she served as the safety department head, maintenance officer, and operations officer and deployed aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68) in support of Operations Freedom Sentinel and Octave Quartz.
In July 2022, Melhorn reported to the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island, where she earned a master’s degree in Defense and Strategic Studies and graduated from the Maritime Advanced Warfighting School. Afterward, she completed training at HSC-2 in Norfolk, Virginia.
She now serves as the Executive Officer of HSC-5, the “Nightdippers.”
Melhorn has accumulated over 2,700 flight hours. She is authorized to wear the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (two awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and various unit, campaign, and service awards.