Executive Officer
Cmdr. Tim "Gidget" Coennen
A native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Cmdr. Coennen graduated from Kent State University in 2006, earning a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics. He was commissioned through Officer Candidate School and reported to Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, Florida for flight training in June 2007. He earned his Naval Flight Officer Wings in April 2008. In April 2008, he reported to the Patrol and Reconnaissance Squadron (VP) 30, “Pro’s Nest” for initial fleet training as a P-3C Orion Navigator/Communicator.
He began his operational flying in October 2008 with the “Mad Foxes” of VP-5. While a “Mad Fox”, he completed two deployments spanning Fourth, Fifth, Sixth and Seventh Fleets, participating in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Odyssey Dawn/Unified Protector. During this tour he qualified as an Instructor Tactical Coordinator and Mission Commander.
Coennen reported to the White House Military Office (WHMO) in March 2012 assigned to the President’s Emergency Operations Center, serving as Team Chief and Training Officer. During his time at WHMO, he directly supported the 2016 elections, 2016 Presidential Inauguration, multiple Presidential Bus Tours, and Presidential Trips.
He reported to USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) in June 2015 as a “Shooter,” qualifying on both legacy and Ford Class catapult and recovery systems.
He reported to Navy Personnel Command (PERS-43) in February 2017 serving as the Flight Student Detailer and Assistance VP Placement Officer.
Coennen then reported to VP-30 as a Naval Flight Officer Instructor in June 2018. During this time, he qualified on the P-8A Poseidon and served as the Safety Officer.
He returned to the fleet as a Department Head in VP-10, the “Red Lancers”. While with the “Red Lancers”, he completed two deployments to Fifth and Seventh Fleet, serving as Operations Officer Future Operations Officer, Administrative Officer, and Command Services Officer.
Following his department head tour, he served as an action officer and branch chief, US Africa Command (USAFRICOM), J-4 Directorate. As the Posture Branch Chief at USAFRICOM, he was routinely relied upon to interact with OSD, Joint Staff, State Department and USAFRICOM to message the command’s posture requirements on the continent. Additionally, he was the senior USAFRICOM representative for multiple high-level engagements with African leaders.
Coennen has accumulated over 2,000 hours conducting P-3C and P-8A missions. His awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Strike/Flight Air Medal (1 award), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (4 awards), and Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2 awards) and various service awards and ribbons.