VT-2 Leadership

Executive Officer

A native of Salem, Oregon, CDR Lushenko graduated with Honor and Distinction from the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA) in May 2005. He earned designation as a Naval Aviator in February 2007 and was assigned to the Navy's first operational MH-60R helicopter squadron, Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron SEVEN ONE (HSM 71) in San Diego, California.

At sea, Lushenko served as the HSM 71 Assistant Operations Officer and led the Line Division through the Navy's first carrier embarkation of the MH-60R aboard USS JOHN C. STENNIS (CVN 74). From April 2014 through December 2015, Lushenko was assigned to DESTROYER SQUADRON TWO TWO as the Air/Future Operations Department Head aboard USS GEORGE H.W. BUSH and completed a deployment to the 5th Fleet AOR in support of Operations Inherent Resolve and Enduring Freedom. In December 2016, Lushenko joined the "Warlords" of HSM 51 as a Department Head where he completed 7th Fleet patrols onboard USS McCAMPBELL (DDG 85) and USS SHILOH (CG 67) as the DET THREE OIC in support of USS RONALD REAGAN CSG FONOPS and BMD. Upon his return, he served as the Safety Officer and Maintenance Officer. Under his leadership, the Safety Department was awarded the FY18 CNO Aviation Safety Award and the Maintenance Department earned both the FY19 Golden Wrench Maintenance Excellence Award and the Field-Level Small Category 2020 Secretary of Defense Maintenance Award.

Ashore, Lushenko served as the USNA Golf Company Officer during Plebe Summer 2013 and the 14th Company Officer from April 2012 until March 2013. Under his leadership, both Golf and 14th Companies earned Color Company honors for best overall performance. From March 2013 to January 2014, Lushenko served as the EA to the 85th Commandant of Midshipmen. From January through June 2016, Lushenko was assigned to the staff of the CNO as an ISR Capabilities Analyst/Action Officer (OPNAV N810) where he provided independent assessment of Navy programs, and from November 2019 to October 2021 he served as the DEA to the Director, Integrated Warfare (OPNAV N9I).

Lushenko completed a Master of Professional Studies (MPS) at the University of Maryland, College Park in May 2012 as part of the USNA Leadership Education and Development (LEAD) Program and was peer-selected to receive the USNA Major Richard J. Gannon II, USMC, Award for Outstanding Achievement in the LEAD Program. Lushenko was awarded the Naval War College McGinnis Family Award for Outstanding Performance in Nonresident Seminar Education following completion of JPME Phase 1 in June 2014. His most recent assignment was the Naval War College in Newport, RI where he completed JPME II and earned a master's degree in National Security and Strategic Studies, graduating with Highest Distinction and earning recognition as the President's Honor Graduate.

CDR Lushenko has accumulated nearly 2,000 flight hours in various naval aircraft. His awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (three awards), the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (three awards), and other personal, service, unit and campaign awards. He is an Honor Graduate of the School of Aviation Safety and was inducted into the North Salem High School Hall of Fame in October 2018 for distinguished military service.