Executive Officer
Cmdr. Otis Dunlap
Cmdr. Otis Dunlap, a native of Riverside, California, enlisted in the United States Navy in 1998 as an Antisubmarine Systems Warfare Operator (AW). He was selected for the Seaman-to-Admiral (STA-21) program in 2005 and commissioned in 2008 after earning a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of North Florida. He later completed a Master of Arts in Executive Leadership from Liberty University.
His first sea tour was with Patrol Squadron (VP) 1, where he deployed in support of Operations Southern Watch and Enduring Freedom. Following his designation as a Naval Aviator, he was assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 9, deploying aboard USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) and USNS Sacagawea (T-AKE 2). He later reported to USS San Antonio (LPD 17) as Mini Boss, earning his Officer of the Deck Underway qualification. As a Department Head with HSC-7, he deployed with the “Dusty Dogs” aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) and USNS Arctic (T-AOE 8) in support of Operations Inherent Resolve and Freedom Sentinel.
Ashore, Dunlap served as an Instructor Pilot at Helicopter Training Squadron (HT) 28 and was named the 2016 Instructor Pilot of the Year. He subsequently served at Air Forces Northern/Continental NORAD Region in the Strategy, Policy, and Plans Directorate (A5) as the lead strategic planner for Homeland Defense.
He assumed the duties as the Executive Officer for HSC-9 in October 2025.
Dunlap has accumulated more than 2,800 flight hours. His personal decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medals (three awards), Navy Achievement Medals (three awards), and various campaign and unit awards.