A native of Portland, Maine, Commander Dermot “Duchess” Killian was commissioned out of the U.S. Naval Academy in 2006, earning a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, and subsequently graduated from the Air Force Institute of Technology in 2007, earning a Master of Science in Aeronautical Engineering.  Upon completion of flight training, he was designated a naval aviator in April 2009 and immediately reported to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron TWO (HSC-2) “Fleet Angels” for initial fleet training in the MH-60S.

CDR Killian began his operational aviation career with Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron TWO TWO (HSC-22) in December 2009.  As a “Sea Knight”, he deployed aboard USS BATAAN (LHD 5) within hours of the 2010 Haiti earthquake, participating in Operation UNIFIED RESPONSE.  On deployment aboard USS KEARSARGE (LHD 3) he participated in Operation ODYSSEY DAWN and Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR.
 
CDR Killian reported to Helicopter Sea Combat Weapons School Atlantic (HSCWSL) in December 2012 and was designated a Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) through the Rotary Wing Weapons School in Fallon, Nevada in May 2013.  While at HSCWSL he served as the Operations Officer and Standardization Officer.
 
In September 2015, CDR Killian returned to sea duty as the squadron training and tactics officer for the world famous “Night Dippers” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron FIVE (HSC-5).  As a “Nightdipper”, he deployed aboard USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN 75) and conducted a personnel recovery detachment to Erbil, Iraq providing combat search and rescue support for Operation INHERENT RESOLVE culminating in the Detachment’s rescue of four American personnel.
 
CDR Killian reported as a Department Head in June 2017 to HSC TWELVE (HSC-12) in Atsugi, Japan.  As a “Golden Falcon”, he deployed multiple times aboard USS RONALD REAGAN (CVN-76) throughout INDOPACOM AOR and served as Administrative Officer, Detachment One Officer in Charge, Maintenance Officer, and Operations Officer.
 
Following his department head tour, CDR Killian was selected for the Secretary of the Navy Tours with Industry Program Fellowship at Microsoft in December 2019. He served as a Program Manager and Plankowner for the establishment of Studio Alpha which is Microsoft's Serious Gaming initiative.  At the completion of the fellowship in February 2021, CDR Killian reported to the 607th Air Operations Center in Osan AB, Republic of Korea and served as the Strategic Division’s Deputy Chief.  He was selected for squadron command in March 2021, reported to Helicopter Sea Combat Weapons School Pacific (HSCWSP) as Executive Officer in August 2022, and assumed command in December 2023.
 
With the support of many hundreds of dedicated and outstanding sailors and flight crews, CDR Killian has amassed over 3,100 mishap-free operational and combat flight hours in the MH-60S, MQ-8C, and various aircraft.  CDR Killian’s personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Strike/Flight Air Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (3 awards), and various other campaign and unit awards.