Executive Officer
Cmdr Steven A. MacGillis

CDR Steve “Kelly” MacGillis is a native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science degree in Systems Engineering in 2003. He completed flight training at VT-27 in Corpus Christi, Texas, HT-8 in Pensacola, Florida and was designated an unrestricted Naval Aviator in 2005.

Following flight training, CDR MacGillis reported to the “Warhawks” of HS-10 in San Diego, California for initial training in the venerable SH-60F/HH-60H helicopter. In 2006 he reported to the “Red Lions” of HS-15 in Jacksonville, Florida. During his tour with the “Red Lions,” he deployed on the USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73) in support of the Partnership of the Americas and later to Joint Base Balad, Iraq flying direct action and logistics missions while attached to the Combined Joint Special Operations Aviation Component in support of the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force Arabian Peninsula and Operation IRAQI FREEDOM.

Following his fleet tour, CDR MacGillis returned to HS-10 where he completed an instructor tour. During his tour, he served as the squadron’s Ground Safety Officer, Student Control Officer and Aircraft Division Officer. He also served as the Assistant NATOPS Model Manager for two years.

In 2012, CDR MacGillis reported to the “Firehawks” of HSC-85 in San Diego, California where he served as the Avionics and Armament Division Officer as well as assistant NATOPS instructor. During his tour, he completed detachments to Chiang Mai, Thailand in support of the COBRA GOLD exercise and Rockhampton, Australia in support of the TALISMAN SABRE exercise. While at HSC-85, CDR MacGillis completed his Executive Masters of Business Administration degree from the Naval Postgraduate School and Phase 1 of JPME though the United States Air Force Command and Staff College.

In 2013, CDR MacGillis reported to the “Red Wolves” of HSC-84 in Norfolk, Virginia where he served as Safety Officer, Training Officer, and Operations Officer. During his tour, CDR MacGillis deployed to the United Arab Emirates in support of SOCCENT contingency operations. Due to the impending disestablishment of HSC-84, CDR MacGillis was detailed to the “Dusty Dogs” of HSC-7 in Norfolk, Virginia.
Following training in the MH-60S helicopter with the “Fleet Angels” of HSC-2, CDR MacGillis reported to HSC-7 in 2015 where he served as Administrative Officer, Training Officer, Maintenance Officer and Operations Officer.  During his tour, CDR MacGillis deployed on the USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN 69) to the United States Fifth and Sixth Fleet Areas of Responsibility in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE. CDR MacGillis also participated in multiple detachments in support of Special Operations.

In 2017, CDR MacGillis reported to the United States Strategic Command at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska where he served as a Strategic Planner in the J5N5 division and also as the Executive Officer to the Deputy J5, Plans and Policy. While assigned to STRATCOM, CDR MacGillis was selected for Commander Command in 2018.

CDR MacGillis has accumulated more than 2,800 flight hours in Naval aircraft. He attributes all personal and unit awards he has received to the dedication and professionalism of those with whom he has served.