Commander Nik Rongers

Executive Officer, Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 79

29 October 2020 The proud son of a Navy Senior Chief, CDR Nik Rongers was born in Dundee, Scotland (UK) and spent his formative years in Florida, Virginia, Maryland, and Ohio, receiving his commission and bachelor’s degree in Political Science at the United States Naval Academy in 2004. 
 
CDR Rongers earned his Wings of Gold in 2006 and has piloted the SH-60B and MH-60R helicopters throughout his aviation career.  His tours include detachment Maintenance Officer at HSL-44; Seahawk Weapons and Tactics Instructor (SWTI) and Operations Department Head at HSMWSL; Plank Owner, Squadron SWTI and Training Department Head at HSM-48; and Squadron Operations Officer at HSM-46.  CDR Rongers has gained extensive experience operating from amphibious assault aviation ships, destroyers, and frigates in support of Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Fleet Commanders.  At sea he has served onboard USS McInerney (FFG 8), USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81), USS Farragut (DDG 99), USS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98), and USS New York (LPD 21).
 
His joint duty assignment was to the North American Aerospace Defense Command and United States Northern Command (NORAD&USNORTHCOM) Strategy, Policy, and Plans Directorate (J5) located in Colorado Springs, CO where he served as a Joint Operations Planner in the Civil Support Plans Branch directly supporting Lead Federal Agency and Department of Defense planning efforts for Defense Support of Civil Authorities and Foreign Disaster Relief operations. 
 
CDR Rongers reported to HSM-79 as Executive Officer in April 2021.
 
CDR Rongers has accumulated over 2,200 flight hours in naval aircraft.  His personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (4 awards), Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy Achievement Medal (3 awards), and various campaign, service and unit awards.