A native of Wrightsville, Pennsylvania, CDR
Adam “Pits” Manley attended the Pennsylvania
State University and graduated in 2009 with a
B.S. in Industrial Engineering. He was
commissioned through the Naval Reserve
Officer Training Corps Program and earned his
wings of gold in September of 2011.

CDR Manley completed his first operational
tour flying the SH-60B with the “Scorpions” of
HSL-49. He deployed with Detachment Two on
USS Thach (FFG 43) and again on USS
Ingraham (FFG 61) in support of Operation
Martillo.

Following his initial sea tour, CDR Manley
transitioned to the MH-60R and reported to the
“Seahawks” of HSM-41 for instructor duty.

In February of 2018, CDR Manley reported to
USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) as the Assistant Navigator. During this time, CDR
Manley completed his Masters of Arts in Defense and Strategic Studies through the
Naval War College Fleet Seminar Program.

CDR Manley was then assigned to the “Grandmasters” of HSM-46 as a Department
Head. Serving as Maintenance Officer and Operations Officer he helped transition the
squadron from Expeditionary to CVW-7 and through their first carrier based deployment
on USS George H.W. Bush to SIXTH Fleet.

Following his Department Head tour, CDR Manley reported to AFRICOM in Stuttgart,
Germany where he served as an Operations Officer, Chief Operations Officer, and the
J313 Operations Branch Chief in the Joint Operations Center.

CDR Manley’s awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy and
Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and others. Additionally, he was named the Order
of Daedalians U.S. Navy Exceptional Aviator of the year in 2014, the
COMNAVAIRLANT Shiphandler of the Year in 2018, and the 2022 CHSMWL Officer of
the Year. Most importantly, Adam is happily married to his wonderful wife Amy and
together they have four amazing children.
 

Last Updated: 23 September 2025