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About Our
Speaker for the October Meeting
Commander Michael, a native of Dallas, Pennsylvania, graduated from College Misericordia in
1986. He earned his commission through Aviation Officer Candidate School and was designated
a Naval Aviator in December 1988.
Following initial flight training in the SH-2F Seasprite, Commander Michael reported to HSL
32 at NAS Norfolk, Virginia. While assigned to the "Invaders", he completed a Caribbean
Counter Narcotics deployment aboard USS FLATLEY (FFG 21), deployed as Detachment
Operations Officer aboard USS GALLERY (FFG 26) in support of Red Sea Maritime
Interdiction Operations during Operation Desert Storm, and completed a second Counter
Narcotics deployment aboard USS ELMER MONTGOMERY (FF 1082) as Detachment
Maintenance Officer.
In October 1992, Commander Michael reported for flight instructor duty at HT 18, NAS
Whiting Field, where he served as the squadron's Administrative Officer and earned a M.A.
degree in Public Administration from the University of West Florida.
In June 1995, Commander Michael was ordered to USS GUAM (LPH 9) aboard Naval Station
Norfolk, Virginia, as Helicopter Direction Center Officer. Deploying to the Sixth Fleet with
Marine Amphibious Readiness Group 1-96, he participated in NATO Bosnia operations in the
Adriatic and Operation PROVIDE COMFORT off the coast of Liberia. While assigned to USS
GUAM, Commander Michael earned his Officer of the Deck (Underway) qualification.
Following flight transition to the SH-60B Seahawk, Commander Michael reported to HSL 43 at
NAS North Island, California where he deployed to the Western Pacific as Officer-In-Charge of
Detachment SIX aboard USS INGRAHAM (FFG 61) and served as the squadron's Maintenance
Officer.
In September 2000, Commander Michael served as Flag Aide to Vice Admiral Nathman,
Commander, Naval Air Forces and Commander, Naval Air Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet. In May
2003, he reported to HSL 47 as Executive Officer and assumed command of the squadron in
September, 2004.
Commander Michael's personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy
Commendation Medal (two awards), and Navy Achievement Medal (three awards).
Commander Michael is married to the former Bridget Farrell of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
and they have three children: John, Mary and Elizabeth. |
