CAPT Michael L. Martin, USN (Ret.)

CAPT Martin was born November 30, 1961 and passed away on July 7, 2021. He was 59.

LTJG Martin received his Navy Wings at HT-18, NAS Whiting Field, Milton, FL on June 14, 1985. LTJG Martin was Navy Helicopter Designation Number R-18103.

A 1983 graduate of the University of Mississippi, Captain Martin reported to his first fleet squadron, HSL-42, in 1986.  He completed deployments aboard USS Doyle (FFG 39) and USS Nicholas (FFG 47).  His follow on tour was as an instructor pilot at HSL-40.  He returned to sea in 1991 serving in the Air Department of USS OKINAWA (LPH 3) deploying to the Western Pacific Persian Gulf.

Following a tour in Commander, Training Command, U.S. Pacific Fleet as Flag Lieutenant, Captain Martin transferred to HSL-46 in 1994 where he was assigned as Maintenance Officer.  He completed his tour as Air Officer in USS MONTEREY (CG 61).  Captain Martin then reported to the Bureau of Naval Personnel as a placement officer.

Captain Martin assumed command of HSL-42 in September 2000, serving with the Proud Warriors until January 2002.  He then reported to the U.S. European Command where he served as a Country Desk Officer.

In July 2006, Captain Martin assumed command of Helicopter Maritime Strike Wing, U.S. Atlantic Fleet.  The Light Airborne Multipurpose System (LAMPS) Wing is responsible for the training, readiness and deployment of the five Atlantic Fleet LAMPS MK III Helicopter Squadrons, Wing Weapons School, Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Detachment (AIMD), Aviation Support Detachment (ASD) and the Surface Rescue Swimmer School (SRSS) located at NAS Jacksonville.  The squadrons operate SH-60B Seahawks in one or two aircraft detachments aboard LAMPS equipped destroyers, cruisers and frigates.  Captain Martin’s Change of command was in September of 2007.

Captain Martin then transferred to Naples, Italy and served as the Chief of Staff to Commander, U.S. Sixth Fleet.  His final tour on active duty was as the J3 at USNORTHCOM in Colorado Springs, CO.

Captain Martin is a graduate of the Naval War College and the Joint Forces Staff College and has earned the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (4), the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement medal (3) and various unit awards.