Commander Michael Sheahan was born and raised in Augusta, Georgia. He graduated from The Citadel in 1989 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering and a commission from The Citadel NROTC program. Following flight training at NAS Pensacola, FL and NAS Whiting Field in Milton FL, CDR Sheahan was designated a Naval Aviator in September 1990. He completed flight training in the SH-3H model helicopter at HS-1 and reported to HS-11 at NAS Jacksonville, FL in April 1991 where he served as the Public Affairs, Line Division, Schedules, CSAR and NATOPS Officer. In 1994, CDR Sheahan reported to HS-1 at NAS Jacksonville, FL and instructed in the SH-3H while serving as the Schedules, Instrument Ground School and NVG officer. While assigned to HS-1 CDR Sheahan underwent transition training in the SH-60F/HH-60H airframe and was assigned to the CSAR department as the Standardization Officer. CDR Sheahan reported to USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72) in Everett, WA in 1996 where he served as the Assistant Navigator. During this tour he earned his Officer of the Deck (Underway) and Command Duty Officer (Underway) qualifications. Following refresher flight training at NAS North Island, CA and Weapons Tactics Instructor Training in Fallon, NV, CDR Sheahan reported to HSWINGLANT WTU as the Assistant OIC in 1998. In 1999 he reported to HS-15 for his Department Head tour. While at HS-15, he served as Administration Officer, Training Officer and Operations Officer. In 2002, CDR Sheahan reported to Joint Chiefs of Staff in Washington, D.C. where he served as the Joint Naval Operations Operational Officer for the Plans and Joint Force Development Directorate (J7). During this tour, CDR Sheahan was assigned to The Institute for Defense Analysis, a federally funded research and development corporation, and participated in the development of the Urban Warfare Road Map, lessons learned for Operation IRAQI FREEDOM and the Global War on Terrorism. During his naval career, CDR Sheahan has accumulated over 2,800 flight hours in the SH-3H and H-60B/F/H helicopters. His awards include the Joint Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with 3 gold stars, the Joint Service Achievement Medal and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with 2 gold stars. CDR Sheahan is married to the former Kathleen Wake from Doylestown, OH. They live in Jacksonville, FL with their daughter Makena and son Aiden.
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