Squadron Augment Unit | HT-8

Commanding Officer

Commander Nobushige "Odd Job" Umemura is a native of Norwalk, California. He graduated from California Maritime Academy in Vallejo, CA with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 2002 and a Coast Guard 3rd Assistant Engineering License.

CDR Umemura entered the United States Marine Corps Reserves in September 1994. Stationed in MCAS El Toro, California and subsequently MCAS Miramar with MALS-46, CDR Umemura served as an Aviation Ordnanceman. CDR Umemura entered the Navy through the Merchant Marine Reserves program 2002. Upon completion, he reported to Corpus Christi, Texas for primary flight training in the T-34C Turbo Mentor and subsequent advanced training in the TH-57 Jet Ranger helicopter. Earning his designation as a Naval Aviator in January 2005, he reported to Airborne Mine Countermeasure Weapon System Training School (AWSTS) FRS in the MH-53E. In June of 2005 he reported to HC-4 the "Black Stallions" in NAS Sigonella, Italy and served as the Ground Safety Officer and Schedules Officer. His deployments include Night Tactical Training in NAS El Centro and flying in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Udairi Army Airfield Kuwait, where he served as the Battle Watch Captain.

Following his tour with HC-4, CDR Umemura reported to HS-10 and transitioned to the SH-60F/H with follow on orders to HS-14 "Lightning" in NAS Atsugi, Japan in 2007. Forward deployed on the USS Kitty Hawk with Carrier Air Wing 5, he served as Av/Arm Division Officer. When the USS Kitty Hawk was replaced by the USS George Washington, CDR Umemura served as the Assistant Admin Officer and aboard the USS Lassen as Detachment Division Officer.

In 2009 CDR Umemura reported to HT-28 as a flight instructor with the "Hellions" in the TH-57B/C. He served as AFT Control, Flight Leader, and Senior Navy Department Head and held multiple standardization qualifications and Check Pilot. While there he volunteered and deployed to 7th Fleet LNO Yokosuka, Japan in support of Operation Tomodachi, and subsequent joint exercise Yama Sakura, Kyoto, Japan the following year. He was selected for Instructor of the Month numerous times as well as Instructor of the Year. He joined the Navy Reserves in 2013 and remained a "Hellion" serving as Admin and NATOPS Department Head as well as Executive Officer.

Commander Umemura has accumulated over 6000 military and civilian flight hours, including over 3,000 hours in the TH-57. He holds 6 FAA type ratings from the AW-139 to the Boeing 777. His military decorations include the Air Medal (Strike/Flight), Navy Commendation, Navy Achievement, Army Achievement, and various service, unit and campaign awards.