A native of Pensacola, Florida, Commander Hernandez enlisted in the Navy in 2002 as an Aviation Electrician. He reported to the “Maulers” of VS-32 in Jacksonville, Florida in December 2002. After being selected for Seaman to Admiral (STA)-21 in October 2005, he graduated from The University of North Florida in 2009, earning a bachelor’s degree in business management. CDR Hernandez was commissioned through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps Program and reported to NAS Pensacola, FL for flight training in October 2009. In December 2010, CDR Hernandez reported to the VP-30 “Pros” for initial fleet training as a P-3C Naval Flight Officer. He earned his Naval Flight Officer Wings in May 2011.

CDR Hernandez began his operational flying in September 2011 with the “Golden Swordmen” of VP-47. While a “Golden Swordsman”, he made three deployments to the SIXTH and FIFTH Fleet Areas of Responsibility (AOR), participating in multiple exercises and operations across both theaters.

CDR Hernandez reported to the Maritime Patrol Reconnaissance Force (MPRF) Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) in May 2015 and began the transition from the P-3C to the P-8A. In December 2015 he completed the transition and was qualified as an FRS instructor in the P- 8A. After completion of his instructor tour at VP-30 in April 2018, CDR Hernandez reported to the USS Ronald Reagan homeported in Yokosuka Japan for a tour as and Aircraft Arresting Gear and Catapult Officer. He completed 4 patrols onboard the Ronald Reagan in the Pacific.

CDR Hernandez returned to the fleet as a Department Head in VP-47, the “Golden Swordsmen”. While with the Golden Swordsmen, he completed two deployments to the SIXTH and SEVENTH Fleet AORs serving as the Safety/NATOPS Officer, Admin Officer, Training Officer, and Operations Officer.

Following his department head tour, CDR Hernandez served as the Operations Officer on Commander Patrol and Reconnaissance Ten (CPRW-10) staff located in Whidbey Island, Washington. While on the Wing Staff, he directly supported the PACFLT and THIRD Fleet requirements for Anti-Submarine Warfare against adversary submarines located in the Pacific Ocean. He was selected for squadron command in March 2023 and reported to VP-9 as Executive Officer in May 2025.

CDR Hernandez has accumulated over 2,500 flight hours in 4 aircraft as both an enlisted maintenance technician and as a Naval Flight Officer. His awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Strike/Flight Air Medal (2 awards), Navy Commendation Medal (4 awards), and Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal and various service awards and ribbons.

Last Updated: 4 June 2025