Commanding Officer
Cmdr. Daniel Russell
Cmdr. Russell, a native of Troy, North Carolina, graduated from East Carolina University in 2002, earning a Bachelor of Science in Biology. He enlisted in the United States Navy as a Machinist's Mate Nuclear in 2005, serving aboard USS Maryland (SSBN 738). Upon receiving his commission, he reported to flight training in July 2008 and earned his “Wings of Gold” in April 2010.
In June 2010, Russell reported to Patrol Squadron (VP) 30, the “Pro’s Nest,” for initial fleet training as a P-3 Orion aircraft replacement pilot. He began his operational flying in March 2011 with the “Red Lancers” of VP-10. As a Red Lancer, he qualified as a P-3 Orion aircraft Instructor Pilot and Mission Commander while completing two deployments in support of 4th, 5th, and 7th Fleet combatant commanders. He also served as the Pilot Training Officer, Aircraft Division Officer, and Readiness Officer.
Russell reported back to the VP-30 Pro’s Nest in June 2014. During his Fleet Replacement Squadron tour, he transitioned to the P-8 Poseidon aircraft while serving as a Naval Air Training and Operating Procedures Standardization (NATOPS) Evaluator, Instructor Under Training Instructor, Instructor Pilot, and Aircraft Division Officer.
He reported to USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) in 2017 as a Shooter, where he qualified as a Micro Boss, Catapult and Arresting Gear Officer, and Helicopter Control Officer while supporting a 5th and 7th Fleet deployment. Russell returned to the VP-10 Red Lancers as a Department Head in 2019. While with the Red Lancers, he completed two deployments in support of the 7th and 4th Fleet combatant commanders, serving as the Maintenance Officer, Future Operations Officer, Training Officer, and Task Force (CTF) 72 Liaison Officer. He also served as the Philippines Detachment Officer in Charge for which he was awarded the Capt. Tim Tibbets Leadership Award.
Following his Department Head tour, Russell served as the VP Sea Assignments Officer at Naval Personnel Command in Millington, Tennessee, where he was selected for aviation command.
Russell was assigned to VP-10 as the Executive Officer in May of 2024 and is now currently serving as the Commanding Officer of VP-10 as of May 2025.
Russell has accumulated over 2,000 flight hours in various aircraft.