Commanding Officer <GO BACK
CDR William S. Walsh United States Navy
A native of Fresno, California, Commander Walsh graduated from San Diego State University with a Bachelors Degree In Finance and received his commission in 1991.
At the completion of flight training in 1993, Commander Walsh was designated a Naval Aviator and reported to HSL-41 at Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego, California, for LAMPS MK III flight training in the SH-60B Seahawk. Following training, he reported to the Warlords of HSL-51 stationed in Atsugi Japan. There he deployed as Detachment Operations Officer for Det SIX in USS HEWITT (DDG 996) and Maintenance Officer for Det FOUR in USS CURTS (FFG 38).
Commander Walsh then returned to HSL-41 in 1998 to serve as an Instructor Pilot in the SH-60B Fleet Replacement Squadron. In 2000, Commander Walsh was selected to attend the Seahawk Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course. Following graduation, he reported to the Seahawks of HSL-47. During this tour, Commander Walsh was a member of the first Carrier based LAMPS MK III detachment in USS CONSTELLATION (CV 64) and Deployed to the Arabian Gulf.
Commander Walsh next reported to the Scorpions of HSL-49 and served Officer-In-Charge Detachment FIVE deployed aboard USS VALLEY FORGE (CG 50) in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Commander Walsh later served as the Squadron Operations Officer.
In March 2004, Commander Walsh was then ordered to the Naval War College, Newport Rhode Island where he earned is Masters of Arts Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies. Following graduation, he reported to United States Strategic Command in Omaha, Nebraska. There he served as Chief Strategic Mobile Communications Center Management Branch under C4I Systems Directorate.
In 2009, Commander Walsh became the first Commanding Officer of the Spartans of HSM-70. Following command, he reported to director of Naval Air Warfare on the OPNAV staff working as the SH-60B/MH-60R requirements officer.
Commander Walsh has accumulated over 3,700 flight hours in naval aircraft. His personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Air Medal (Strike/Flight), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four awards), the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (three awards) and various unit, campaign and service medals.