A native of Norwalk, CT, Commander Ian “Turd Ferguson” Gill graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2008 with a Bachelor of Science in Ocean Engineering. He reported to NAS Pensacola, FL for flight training in October 2008 and earned his Wings of Gold when designated a Naval Aviator in November 2010. CDR Gill reported to the HSC-2 “Fleet Angels” for initial fleet training as an MH-60S Seahawk Pilot.
 
His operational flying began in September 2011 with the “Tridents” of HSC-9.  While a “Trident”, he made two deployments onboard USS GEORGE H.W. BUSH (CVN 77) and participated in Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, and Operation INHERENT RESOLVE.  In November 2012, he embarked USS SAN ANTONIO (LPD 17) to conduct defense support of civil authorities throughout the New York metropolitan area in the wake of hurricane Sandy.

CDR Gill served ashore assigned to the HSC-3 “Merlins” from 2014 to 2017 as a MH-60S Fleet Replacement Squadron Instructor Pilot.  He served as the Schedules Officer and NATOPS Officer and was recognized as 2016 Naval Helicopter Association Instructor Pilot of the Year. Concurrently, CDR Gill earned a Master of Systems Analysis degree from the Naval Postgraduate School in March 2017 via distance learning.

In June 2017, CDR Gill returned to the fleet as Carrier Air Wing TWO (CVW-2) Helicopter Operations Officer and Personnel Recovery Officer for Team BROADSWORD.  He completed a 2018 Western Pacific deployment, the 2018 Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise embarked USS CARL VINSON (CVN 70), and served as the lead planning officer for Team BROADSWORD in preparation for the 2018 Carrier Strike Group ONE (CSG-1) Sustainment Exercise
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CDR Gill reported to the HSC-4 “Legendary Black Knights” as a Department Head in April 2019. He served as Training Officer, Administrative Officer, and Maintenance Officer. CDR Gill led the HSC-4 integration into the inaugural “Air Wing of the Future” Optimized Fleet Response Plan.  In August 2021, CDR Gill deployed to the Western Pacific while embarked USS CARL VINSON, participating in Exercise MALABAR and other joint and combined exercises in the Indo-Pacific area of operations.

Following his department head tour, CDR Gill attended the Naval War College in Newport, RI. He graduated with distinction, earning a Master of Arts in Defense and Strategic Studies in March 2023.

CDR Gill has accumulated over 2,600 flight hours in rotary-wing and fixed-wing aircraft. His awards include the Navy Commendation Medal (5 awards) and various campaign and unit awards.

Last Updated: 6 September 2023