HT-28 Leadership

Executive Officer

CDR James Gelsinon is a native of Tucson, AZ. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2006 with a degree in History. He was designated as a Naval Aviator in 2008.

Following FRS training, he reported to the "Island Knights" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron TWO FIVE (HSC-25), forward deployed at Anderson AFB, Guam. He deployed twice to Kuwait and Basrah, Iraq as a member of the 2515th Naval Air Ambulance Detachment and served as Detachment Operations Officer and Assistant Officer-in Charge. Within the squadron, he served as the Education Services Officer and NATOPS Standardization Officer.

In 2012, CDR Gelsinon reported to the "Fleet Angels" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron TWO (HSC-2) in Norfolk, VA as an FRS Instructor Pilot. He served as a Schedules Officer, Aircrew Division Officer, and Assistant Operations Officer. While at HSC-2, he earned a Master's in Business Administration from the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, VA.

In 2015, he reported aboard the USS JOHN C. STENNIS (CVN 74) as a Catapult and Arresting Gear Officer. While onboard, he qualified as a Flight Deck "Shooter" and earned his CDO Underway qualification. He served as the Arresting Gear Branch Officer and V-5 Division Officer.

In 2017, CDR Gelsinon reported to the "Blackjacks" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron TWO ONE (HSC-21) as a Department Head. While at HSC-21, he served as a detachment Officer-In-Charge, squadron Training Officer, Maintenance Officer and was selected by his peers as the 2018 Navy and Marine Corps Association Leadership Award Winner for Helicopter Sea Combat Wing Pacific. Additionally, he earned his JPME Phase I qualification.

In 2020, CDR Gelsinon reported as the Airborne Mine Countermeasures Requirements Officer for Director, Expeditionary Warfare (OPNAV N95) on the staff of the Chief of Naval Operations. Additionally, he served as the Deputy Executive Assistant to the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Operations, Plans and Strategy (OPNAV N3/N5) from May 2021 to August 2022. He reported as the Prospective Executive Officer (PXO) of HT-28 in the fall of 2022.

CDR Gelsinon has accumulated over 1,950 flight hours, to include 235 combat hours in Iraq. He has been part of teams that have been awarded the Battle Efficiency Award, Army Meritorious Unit Commendation Award, and Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation Award. He is authorized to wear various personal and campaign awards, all a testament to the outstanding Officers and Sailors with whom he has served.