Bio

Commander Jarrod D. Day is a native of Modesto, California. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2002, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Oceanography. Following his designation as a Naval Aviator in February 2004, he joined the “Airwolves” of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light Four Zero (HSL-40) for initial SH-60B training.

His first operational sea tour began with the “Swampfoxes” of HSL-44 at Naval Station Mayport. He deployed twice to the 5th Fleet AOR on USS San Jacinto (CG 56) in September 2005 and with USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) in January 2007. He served as Detachment Maintenance Officer and Squadron Quality Assurance Officer.

In December 2007, CDR Day returned to Training Air Wing 5 in Milton, FL for instructor training in the T-34C. Upon designation as an instructor pilot with the “Shooters” of VT-6, he trained 10 on-wings, to include two international students, and served as the CAT II Day Contact Standardization Officer. In July 2010, CDR Day reported to Expeditionary Combat Readiness Center (ECRC) Norfolk and, upon completion of Navy Individual Augmentee training in Fort Jackson, SC, joined CJTF-HOA where he was appointed Country Coordination Element Chief at AMEMB Kigali, Rwanda.

CDR Day reported to the Air Department of USS BOXER (LHD 4) in June 2011. On his only WESTPAC deployment he qualified in the tower as fixed-wing and rotary-wing control officer and later assumed duties as the Assistant Air Officer or Mini Boss.

In March of 2013, he arrived at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, FL for his Aviation Department Head Tour with the “Proud Warriors” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron Seven Two (HSM-72). He completed ASO School and the transition to the MH-60R aircraft. Additionally, he served as Safety Officer, Training Officer, Detachment OIC, and Maintenance Officer, while also taking the squadron through its maiden CVW deployment in November 2015 with USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN 75).

CDR Day reported to United States Strategic Command (J5) in November 2016 at Offutt AFB in Bellevue, NE. He served as Chief for the North American and European Security Cooperation and International Engagement Branch and received JPME Phase I credit through the Air Force Command and Staff College.

In April of 2020, CDR Day reported to USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN 69) where he deployed in February 2021 and served as Safety Officer and Head of Department. CDR Day reported to NROTC Unit University of South Carolina in May 2022 for duties as Executive Officer.

Commander Day has accumulated over 2,700 flight hours and has been part of several winning teams earning the Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Navy Unit Commendation, and 3 Battle “E” Awards. His personal decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal (Strike/Flight), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, and various service/campaign medals. He is married to his wonderful wife (Jamie) and they share the adventure of parenting four great kids.