VT-28 Leadership

Executive Officer

CDR James "Smack" McNamee is a native of Marlton, New Jersey, and graduated from the University of Maryland in 2006 with a Bachelor of Science degree in physics. Following his commissioning, he reported to flight school and earned his Wings of Gold in August of 2008. Additionally, during his tenure as a Naval Aviator he furthered his education by obtaining a Master of Business from Naval Postgraduate School in 2015.

At sea, CDR McNamee served as NATOPS Officer at Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Five (HS-5). During his time at HS-5, he deployed aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in both 2010 and 2012. Following those deployments, he completed his shore tour at Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron Three (HSC-3) as a Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) instructor pilot.

While at HSC-3, CDR McNamee was assigned the duties of Search and Rescue (SAR) Model Manager. As a SAR Model Manager, he conducted multiple SAR Evaluations, standardizing SAR procedures for both the HSC and HSM communities. He then served with distinction as the Air Officer aboard the USS San Antonio (LPD 17).

In June 2016, he deployed on the USS San Antonio, with USS Wasp Amphibious Ready Group. CDR McNamee was responsible for flight operations that completed substantial and effective combat operations into Libya, directly supporting Operation Odyssey Lightning. Additionally, he served as the safety officer and operations Department Head while at to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron SIX (HSC-6). While at HSC-6, he completed a C3/5/7F deployment in support of TRI-CVN OPS in the Sea of Japan, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Freedom's Sentinel, attached to Carrier Air Wing 17 aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). He was also assigned as the officer in charge of the Combat Logistic Force (CLF) aboard the USNS Matthew Perry (T-AKE 9).

CDR McNamee went on to serve on the Joint Staff, assigned to the Office of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff as one of the Protocol Officers for the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

CDR McNamee currently serves as the executive officer to the "Rangers" of Training Squadron 28 at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, Texas. He has accumulated over 2,400 flight hours flying the T-34C, T-6B, TH-57, SH-60F/H, MH-60S. His personal awards include the Joint Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal (three awards), Navy Achievement Medal (two awards), and various unit and campaign awards.