Commander Kenneth “Kenny G” Callahan, a native of Reno, Nevada, was commissioned in 2009 upon graduation from the United States Naval Academy, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in History. He earned his Wings of Gold as a Naval Aviator in December 2010. CDR Callahan reported to NAS Mayport and joined HSM-40 the “Airwolves” for initial fleet training as an SH-60B Pilot and Airborne Tactical Officer.
 
He began his first operational sea tour was with the “Vipers” of HSL-48 (later redesignated HSM-48) in Mayport, Florida, from September 2011 to September 2014. While there, he deployed aboard USS Farragut (DDG-99) in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and CTF-151 Counter piracy Operations. As Quality Assurance Officer, he was critical to the commands successful transition to the MH-60R.
 
In October 2014, Commander Callahan reported to the “Seahawks” of HSM-41 in San Diego, California, serving as a Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) Instructor Pilot until August 2017. He served as the squadron Public Affairs Officer, Schedule Writer, and Naval Air Training Operations Procedures Standardization (NATOPS) Officer.
 
From September 2017 to November 2019, he reported aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) as a Catapult and Arresting Gear Officer (“Shooter”), supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel. As TOPCAT and Hangar Division Officer he led more than 80 sailors and was responsible for the safe procedural compliance of all Shooters on the flight deck.
 
Returning to the HSM community in May 2020, Commander Callahan joined the “Battlecats” of HSM-73 as a Department Head. During this tour, he served as Maintenance Officer, Administrative Officer, and Detachment THREE Officer-in-Charge (OIC). He deployed with Carrier Air Wing SEVENTEEN aboard USS Nimitz (CVN-68) and USS Ralph Johnson (DDG-114) in support of Operation Inherent Resolve and CTF-150 Counter Smuggling Operations. While OIC, his detachment was critical to the seizer of more than 2,000 pounds of suspected narcotics.
 
In November 2022, he commenced a joint tour at U.S. Space Command’s Missile Warning Center located at Cheyanne Mountain Space Force Station in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where he served as a Crew Commander until November 2024. Currently, he is assigned to the HSM-73 “Battlecats” as the Executive Officer.
 
Commander Callahan has accumulated over 1,800 flight hours in the SH-60B and MH-60R. His personal decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals (2), and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals (2), as well as various unit and campaign awards. He and his wife Sarah have three sons, Michael, Matthew and William.
 

Last Updated: 19 November 2025