COMMANDING OFFICER:
CAPT MICHAEL P. O’NEILL, USN
CAPT O’Neill is a native of Brentwood, New York. He graduated the State University of New
York at Albany with a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology (1997) and he holds a master’s degree in
Global Leadership from University of San Diego (2007). He received his commission from
Officer Candidate School in June 1998 and was designated a Naval Aviator in June 2000. He
has qualified in the SH-60B, MH-60R and MH-60S helicopters and has accrued over 3200 total
flight hours.
His operational flying assignments include tours as a Junior Officer (JO) at HSL-51 based in
Atsugi, Japan, Super JO at HSM-71 in San Diego, CA, and Department Head at HSM-70 in
Jacksonville, FL. In June of 2015 he reported to HSM-46 as XO and assumed Command from
May of 2017-August 2018.
Shore tours include Air Test and Evaluation Squadron ONE (VX-1) in support of Operational Test and Evaluation of the MH-60R, with follow on orders to transition the Fleet Replacement Squadron HSM-41. Captain O’Neill served as Nuclear Strike Advisor, and lead Exercise Planner while assigned to USSTRATCOM J711. In Aug 2018 he transferred to OPNAV N3/N5 and performed duties of CNO Battle Watch Captain at the Pentagon until his selection for Major Command at MCMRON 7 in Sasebo Japan from August 2021 to November 2023 as Deputy Commodore and then Commodore. He then reported to OPNAV N13M2 in December 2023 and assumed duties as Branch Head for Force Manpower Accounting and Analysis. CAPT O’Neill and his wife Cara are blessed with three daughters, Macaylyn, Madylyn and Taylor who keep their lives full of love and extracurricular events. CAPT O’Neill’s personal awards include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal (Flight), Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, and numerous campaign and unit awards.