Commanding Officer | Executive Officer | Command Master Chief
Commanding Officer
Commander Patrick Jankowski of St. Louis, Missouri graduated from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Engineering Systems Design and was commissioned an Ensign in June 1995. He reported to Pensacola, Florida for flight training and was designated a Naval Aviator in September 1997.
Following Fleet Replacement training in the SH-60B Seahawk helicopter, he reported to the Warlords of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light FIVE ONE (HSL 51) homeported in NAF Atsugi, Japan. During his tour with the Warlords, he made multiple deployments to the Western Pacific and Arabian Gulf onboard USS CHANCELLORSVILLE (CG 62), and USS VINCENNES (CG 49). While assigned to HSL 51, he served as Detachment Maintenance Officer, Squadron Assistant Operations Officer, Squadron Quality Assurance Officer and was recognized as the squadron’s Pilot of the Year.
Following his tour with the Warlords, he reported to West Coast Fleet Replacement Squadron, HSL 41, as an SH-60B Instructor Pilot. He also served as the HSL Pilot Production Manager for all West Coast SH-60B pilot training.
In July 2003, he departed HSL 41 to join the staff of Commander AMPHIBIOUS TASK FORCE 76 in Okinawa, Japan where he served as the Commander’s Flag Lieutenant and primary helicopter advocate. After leaving Okinawa, he attended Naval Post Graduate school in Monterey, California where he graduated top in his class and was awarded a Master of Arts degree in Business Administration and Finance.
He later reported to the Saberhawks of HSL 47 in October 2006. There he served as the Squadron Safety Officer, Maintenance Officer, and Operations Officer. During his tenure, the Saberhawks deployed onboard USS LINCOLN (CVN 72) as part of Carrier Strike Group NINE in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom as the first SH-60B carrier-based deployment.
In January 2009, he was assigned to the Pentagon as an action officer in support of the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff, J8 Force Structure, Resources, and Assessment Division. He completed transition training for the MH-60R Seahawk prior to reporting to HSM 73 as the Executive Officer. In July 2012 he reported to HSM 71 as the Executive Officer and then became HSM 71’s fifth Commanding Officer in November 2012.
CDR Jankowski has accumulated over 2181 total flight hours. His awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and various unit commendations and service/campaign awards.