Executive Officer
Cmdr. Colleen Minihan

A native of East Islip, New York, Cmdr. Colleen Minihan graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2002 with a Bachelor of Science in English. She was designated a naval flight officer in May 2004.

Upon completion of initial fleet replacement squadron training, she reported to Patrol Squadron (VP) 4, in Kaneohe Bay, HI for her initial sea tour flying the P-3C Orion. As a “Skinny Dragon,” she deployed twice to the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet area of responsibilities in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.
In November 2008, Minihan reported to Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing (CPRW) 2 as an instructor tactical coordinator where she was selected for the Naval Flight Officer to Pilot Transition Program.

In November 2009, she reported to Training Air Wing (TW) 5 in Milton, FL as a student pilot. She was designated a naval aviator in January 2010. After initial FRS training in the MH-60S, Minihan reported to the “Sea Knights” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 22, in Norfolk, VA where she deployed aboard USNS Arctic (T-AOE-8) and USS Iwo Jima (LHD-7).

Following this tour, she reported to the “Fleet Angels” of HSC-2 as a fleet replacement instructor pilot and the safety department head. In August 2015, Minihan reported back to the “Sea Knights” of HSC-22 as a department head. While there, she served as the detachment one officer-in-charge aboard USNS Medgar Evers (T-AKE-13) in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, and as the safety officer, operations officer, and maintenance officer.

In March 2019, Minihan graduated with distinction from the U.S. Naval War College with a Master of Arts in Defense and Strategic Studies. She subsequently served as the executive assistant to the President, U.S. Naval War College.

Minihan has accumulated over 2,300 flight hours of both special crew time in the P-3C and pilot time in the MH-60S. She is authorized to wear various personal, unit and campaign awards, all a testament to the amazing officers and Sailors with whom she has served.