Executive Officer
Cmdr. Daniel Russell
Cmdr. Daniel 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 Nuclear Machinist Mate in 2005, serving on 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, he reported to the Patrol and Reconnaissance Squadron (VP) 30 ‘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 Instructor Pilot and Mission Commander while completing 2 deployments in support of fourth, fifth, and seventh Fleet Combatant Commanders. While at VP-10 he served as the Pilot Training Officer, Aircraft Division Officer, and Readiness Officer.
He reported to the VP-30 ‘Pro’s Nest’ in June 2014. During his Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) tour, he transitioned to the P-8 Poseidon while serving as a 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 fifth and seventh Fleet Deployment. He 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 fourth and seventh Fleet Combatant Commanders, serving as the Maintenance Officer, Future Operations Officer, Training Officer, and Command Task Force 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, he served as the VP Sea Assignments Officer at Naval Personnel Command in Millington, Tennessee where he was selected for Aviation Command.
He has accumulated over 2,000 flight hours in various aircraft. His awards include the Navy Commendation Medal (6 awards), the Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and various service awards and ribbons.
He is most proud of the numerous unit awards that reflect credit on the team of skilled professionals he was privileged to serve alongside.