A native of Newburgh, New York, Commander Mennerich graduated with merit from the United States Naval Academy in 2010 earning a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. CDR Mennerich reported to NAS Pensacola, FL for flight training in August 2010. He earned his Naval Pilot Wings in January 2012. In February 2012, CDR Mennerich reported to the Airborne Mine Countermeasures (AMCM) Weapon Systems Training School (AWSTS) for initial fleet training as a MH-53E pilot.
  
CDR Mennerich began his operational flying in September 2012 with the “Blackhawks” of Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron FIFTEEN (HM-15). While a “Blackhawk,” he made two deployments to the FIFTH FLEET AOR in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM and Operation INHERENT RESOLVE. 
CDR Mennerich reported to Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron TWELVE (HM-12) as an Instructor Pilot in January 2016. During a community restructuring in 2016, he was re-assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Weapons School Atlantic (HSCWSL) where CDR Mennerich oversaw the assimilation of HM functions into the HSCWSL mission set and qualified as a Level V Sea Dragon Weapons and Tactics Instructor (SWTI).

CDR Mennerich returned to the fleet as a WTI for HM-15, the “Blackhawks”.  He deployed to the FIFTH FLEET AOR supporting multinational and joint exercises performing the role of lead Tactics planner and WTI for Mine Warfare (MIW) operations. 

CDR Mennerich reported as an Operational Department Head to Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron FOURTEEN (HM-14), the “Vanguard” in 2020. In 2021, he deployed as the OIC of a three-aircraft, 100-person detachment to Pohang, South Korea in support of MCMRON 7 and CTF 76 in the SEVENTH FLEET AOR. His detachment supported several multi-nation and joint exercises ensuring freedom of navigation for U.S. and allied naval forces in areas susceptible to enemy mining. He also served as the squadron’s Operations Officer and Maintenance Officer.

Following his Department Head tour, CDR Mennerich attended the U.S. Naval War College. He graduated with merit in 2023, earning a Masters of Arts in Defense and Strategic Studies. Upon graduating, CDR Mennerich reported to Navy Personnel Command and served as the Helicopter Second Sea Detailer at PERS-43 where he managed the careers of over 1,300 junior officers going to second sea duty during his tenure.  He selected for squadron command in March 2024 and is scheduled to report to HSC-21 as its Executive Officer in November 2025.
CDR Mennerich has accumulated over 1,500 flight hours with 200 hours of AMCM tow operations in 4 aircraft and is qualified as a Sea Dragon WTI. His awards include the Navy Commendation Medal (6 awards) and various service awards and ribbons.
 

Last Updated: 19 December 2025