Captain Daniel “Bunny” O’Hara is a native of Hendersonville, Tennessee. In 2001, he earned his Bachelor’s degree with a major in Aviation Management from Auburn University and was commissioned from Reserve Officers’ Training Corps.  He was designated a Naval Aviator in December 2003.
 
Captain O’Hara’s fleet assignments include tours with VF/VFA-31, VFA-94, VFA-136, and as Commanding Officer of VFA-102.  He deployed aboard the aircraft carriers USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT and USS RONALD REAGAN in support of Operations IRAQI FREEDOM, INHERENT RESOLVE, and FREEDOM’S SENTINEL, as well as operations within the INDOPACOM AOR.
 
His shore assignments include serving as an instructor pilot at the Navy Fighter Weapons School “TOPGUN”, the Operations and Training Officer at VAQ-129, and Branch Chief for the Joint Staff J8 Force Structure, Resources, and Assessment Directorate.
 
CAPT O’Hara has accumulated more than 5,300 flight hours and over 700 carrier-arrested landings. His decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Strike/Flight Air Medal (three awards), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy Commendation Medals (four awards), Navy Achievement Medal (two awards) and various personal, unit and service awards. His personal decorations and unit citations are attributed to the outstanding men and women he has served with throughout his career.

Captain O’Hara reported to Carrier Air Wing FIVE in December of 2024.