VT-28 Leadership

Executive Officer

Commander James P. Morrison is a native of Swampscott, MA and graduated from the University of Maryland in 2007, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice. He was commissioned through the NROTC program and was designated a naval aviator in 2009.

CDR Morrison reported to the "Blackjacks" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron TWO ONE (HSC-21) onboard NAS North Island in 2009, flying the MH-60S "Knighthawk". At HSC-21 he deployed twice to the 2515th Naval Air Ambulance Detachment at Udairi Army Airfield, Kuwait supporting Operations Iraqi Freedom and New Dawn. CDR Morrison held multiple positions at HSC-21, including publications officer, aviation safety officer, aircraft division officer, quality assurance officer, and assistant NATOPS instructor.

CDR Morrison left HSC-21 in 2013 and reported to Naval Air Facility Misawa, Japan, flying the UC-12F "Huron". CDR Morrison served as transport plane commander, instrument check pilot, and unit NATOPS instructor. He flew logistics missions throughout the INDO-PACOM AOR and deployed several times in support of Operation Enduring Freedom – Philippines, attached to Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines. He also served as the installation administration officer and operations department flight scheduling officer.

In 2016, CDR Morrison transferred to Afloat Training Group Western Pacific in Yokosuka, Japan, as the topside department head. He led a team of 21 Sailors across five warfare areas: aviation, medical, search and rescue, navigation, and seamanship, training and certifying all Forward Deployed Naval Force ships in Japan.

CDR Morrison transitioned to Training and Administration of the Reserves in 2018 and reported to the "Doerbirds" of Training Squadron TWO (VT-2) onboard NAS Whiting Field, Milton, FL, flying the T-6B "Texan II". CDR Morrison held several standardization qualifications and was designated as commanding officer progress check instructor pilot. He served as the reserve department head, student control officer, and operations officer.

After leaving VT-2, CDR Morrison transferred to the Naval War College in Newport, RI where he earned a Master of Arts in Defense and Strategic Studies and completed Joint Professional Military Education Phase I. Upon completion of his studies, CDR Morrison checked into the Office of the Chief of Navy Reserve as Director, Reserve Flag Matters in 2022. He was responsible for the operational and administrative support, community management, detailing, and readiness for all Navy Reserve Flag Officers.

CDR Morrison has flown over 2,600 mishap-free flight hours. He also holds a Master of Science from the Naval Postgraduate School in Systems Engineering. His personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal (Strike/Flight), Navy Commendation Medal (three), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and various unit, campaign and service medals.