TW4 R.C. Leadership

Reserve Program Director (RPD)

Cmdr. Melvin Giddin is a native of Houston, Texas, and graduated from Hampton University in 2007 with a Bachelor of Science in business marketing. He holds a master's degree in foreign affairs from Norwich University (2017). Giddin began his military career at the age of 17 as a member of the U.S. Army Reserves Chemical Corps, before transitioning to the Navy in 1998 as an Aegis Fire Controlman and ultimately earning a commission though the highly competitive Seaman-to-Admiral program. Upon commissioning in 2008, he began aviation training and was designated a Naval Aviator in 2010. Following Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) training in the SH-60B with HSM-40, Giddin reported to the "Proud Warriors" of HSL-42 at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida.

He served as Line Division Officer, Search and Rescue Officer, and Assistant Training Officer, before transitioning to the MH-60R, earning qualifications as a Helicopter Aircraft Commander and Functional Check Pilot. While assigned to HSL-42, Giddin completed one deployment to the Fifth Fleet area of operations and flew missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

In 2014, Giddin reported to the "Shooters" of VT-6 Training Squadron at Naval Air Station Milton, Florida. He served as Flight Leader, Assistant Operations Officer, Contact Standardization Officer and Training Department Head, qualifying as a T-6 Standardization Instructor Pilot. In 2016, Giddin was selected as the Association of Naval Aviators Instructor of the Year.

In 2017, Giddin reported to the Air Department aboard CVN-77, USS GEORGE H. W. BUSH. He served as the Arresting Gear Branch Officer, and Assistant V2 Division Officer. During his tenure, he completed one deployment aboard CVN 75 USS HARRY S TRUMAN to the CENTCOM AOR in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, qualifying as Command Duty Officer underway.

In 2019, Giddin reported to the "World Famous Swamp Foxes" of HSM-74 for his Department Head tour where he served as Safety Officer, "Airboss" on USS VELLA GULF CG-72, and Maintenance Officer. While assigned to HSM-74, Giddin completed two deployments to the Fifth Fleet area of operations including the 2020 COVID Cruise setting the Carrier record with 206 consecutive days at sea.

In November 2021, following his department head tour, Giddin reported to U.S. Naval Central Command in Manama, Bahrain, as the Future Operation Air Cell Lead Planning Officer, responsible for the standardization of staff processes in the Force Employment of US Naval Forces CENTRAL.

In 2024, Giddin transitioned to the Full Time Support (FTS) community and reported to TRAWING FOUR Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, Texas. He currently serves as T-44C Instructor Pilot, and Reserve Program Director overseeing the TW-4 Reserve Component.

Giddin has accumulated more than 2500 military flight hours and achieved instructor qualification in the MH-60R, T-6B, and T-44C. His personal awards include the Navy Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement medal, and numerous service and campaign ribbons.