Captain Kevin O'Flaherty
Captain O'Flaherty hails from Los Angeles, California and was commissioned through the U. S. Naval Academy in May 1981. He was designated a Naval Aviator in April 1983 and completed a tour as SERGRAD instructor in VT-23, flying the T-2 Buckeye
After completing training in the A-6E Intruder in November 1985, Captain O'Flaherty served in two A-6E Intruder squadrons including tours with the Eagles of VA-115, and a department head tour with the Milestones of VA-196. He transitioned to the FA-18 Hornet in 1996 and served as the Executive Officer and subsequently the Commanding Officer of the VFA-94 Mighty Shrikes from June 1997 to December 1999.
Subsequent sea tours include a tour as the Executive Officer of the USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN and Commanding Officer of the USS JUNEAU. He participated in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.
Ashore Captain O'Flaherty served on the staff of the Naval Strike Warfare Center in Fallon, Nevada as a tactics and air wing training instructor. He also attended the Air Force Air Command and Staff College, graduating with distinction, additionally earning a Master of Arts degree in history from the University of Alabama. He subsequently served on the staff of headquarters of U.S. Air Forces in Europe as Navy Liaison and joint exercises planner. He completed Navy Nuclear Power training in May 2001. He reported to Commander, Naval Air Forces Carrier Requirements in March 2005. He reported to his current duty as Commanding Officer, Precommissioning Unit GEORGE H. W. BUSH (CVN 77) in July 2006.
During his career, Captain O'Flaherty has accumulated over 4000 flight hours and 600 carrier-arrested landings. His personal awards include the Legion of Merit, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, and various campaign, unit, and service awards
