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Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 85 “Firehawks”

Commander Robert “Ricky Bobby” Coffman

Executive Officer, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 85

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Photo By: 230515-N-VD554-1004
VIRIN: 230515-N-VD554-1004

Commander Robert A. Coffman Jr. is a native of Temecula, California, but grew up around the world as a Marine Corps dependent. He graduated from the University of San Diego in 2006 with a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations. Following graduation and commissioning as an Ensign through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps program, he reported to NAS Pensacola, Florida where he earned his “Wings of Gold” in April, 2008. He earned a Master of Arts in National Security Affairs (Strategic Studies) in June, 2016 and completed JPME Phase I as a distinguished graduate of the Naval War College Distance Education Program.

Following Fleet Replacement Pilot training with the “Merlins” of HSC-3 in San Diego, California, CDR Coffman reported to the “Eightballers” of HSC-8 in November 2008 and completed two deployments aboard USS JOHN C. STENNIS (CVN 74), participating in Operation ENDURING FREEDOM and Operation NEW DAWN, and was part of the inaugural MH-60S CVN deployment. CDR Coffman served as the Readiness Officer, NATOPS Officer, and was the Assistant Officer in Charge of the first-ever MH-60S detachment aboard a Cruiser, the USS MOBILE BAY (CG 53).

After completing training in the SH-60F and HH-60H with the “Warhawks” of HS-10, CDR Coffman reported to the “Firehawks” of HSC-85 in July 2012. CDR Coffman conducted several deployments to INDOPACOM under the 353rd Special Operations Group supporting Special Operations Command Pacific (SOCPAC) Crisis Response and operational requirements as well as supporting USSOCOM forces INCONUS.

Following his second operational tour, CDR Coffman reported to the Naval Postgraduate School in February 2015, transitioned to Full Time Support, and returned to the fleet as a Department Head with the “Firehawks” of HSC-85 in July 2016. He conducted several deployments directly supporting Personnel Recovery and Special Operations requirements in various areas of responsibility as part of Operation FREEDOM’S SENTINEL. CDR Coffman served as the Training Officer, Detachment Tactics Officer, Detachment AOIC, and Maintenance Department Head, and was selected as the 2019 HSC-85 Pilot of the Year.

After his tour at HSC-85, CDR Coffman served as the Command Services Officer (N1A) on the staff of Commander, Naval Air Forces Reserve (CNAFR) in San Diego, California. In July 2020, he reported to OPNAV N98 as the Reserve Helicopter & Irregular Warfare Requirements Officer where he managed over $800M in support of all Navy Reserve helicopters in the HSC, HSM, and HM communities, as well as $5.5M in National Guard and Reserve Equipment Account funds for Reserve helicopter requirements. CDR Coffman reported back to HSC 85 as the Executive Officer in May 2023.

CDR Coffman has accumulated more than 2,100 flight hours in the SH-60F, HH-60H, and MH-60S. His awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Strike/Flight Air Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (three awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and various unit and personal awards.

Leaders

Commander Nicholas Ryan

Commanding Officer, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 85

Commander Robert “Ricky Bobby” Coffman

Executive Officer, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 85

Command Master Chief Marisol Dumlao

Command Master Chief, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 85


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