Executive Officer
Cmdr. David J. McLaughlin
A native of Nashville, TN, Cmdr. McLaughlin enlisted in the US Navy upon graduating high school in 1996. After completing Boot camp in Great Lakes, IL he went on to become a Fire Controlman working on the Tomahawk cruise missile system on board the DDG-75 Donald Cook before being selected for ROTC at his 3 year mark. McLaughlin attended the University of St. Thomas located in St. Paul MN and was commissioned in May of 2003 with a Bachelor degree in Psychology. After graduation, he began his aviation career at primary flight training in Enid, OK followed by advanced multi-engine training in Corpus Christi, TX where he earned his Wings of Gold in July of 2005. Upon completing initial P-3C Fleet Replacement Training, McLaughlin joined VQ-2 after their homeport change in Whidbey Island, WA in January of 2006 where he completed FOURTH, FIFTH, SIXTH and SEVENTH Fleet deployments, flying in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM and OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM. While assigned to VQ-2, McLaughlin served as the Public Affairs Officer, Schedules Officer, Assistant Training Officer and Pilot Training Officer.
In June, 2009, McLaughlin reported for instructor duty at Patrol Squadron THIRTY (VP-30) based in Jacksonville, FL. While attached to the Pro’s Nest he served as the IML Divo, VQ Tactics officer, Airframes Branch Officer, Aircraft Division Officer, Instructor Pilot, and Instructor Under Training (IUT) Instructor Pilot.
In May, 2012, McLaughlin reported to the USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN-75) as a Catapult and Arresting Gear Officer and served as the V-2 Division Officer and TOPCAT. During this tour, he deployed to the FIFTH Fleet AOR on a nine-month deployment.
In July 2014, McLaughlin reported to CPRW-11 as the assistant Operations officer and began his transition to the P-8 airframe. McLaughlin augmented VP-45 on their 7th fleet deployment allowing him to increase his VP background complementing his VQ background in the new MPRA family.
In January, 2016, McLaughlin reported to Patrol Squadron TEN (VP-10) for his Department Head tour where he served as the Safety NATOPS Officer, Operations Officer, and Maintenance Officer. While attached to the World Famous Red Lancers, he completed two deployments to the SIXTH and SEVENTH Fleet AORs.
Following his Department Head tour, McLaughlin was assigned to US STRATCOM, in August, 2018 where he served as an Emergency Action Officer.
McLaughlin’s personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal (1), Air Medal (5), Navy Commendation Medal (4), Navy Achievement Medal (1) and various unit and campaign decorations.