CDR Lynda P. Irwin

Executive Officer, Tactical Air Control Squadron (TACRON) 12

12 December 2024 CDR Lynda “AWOL” Irwin is a native of New Milford, Connecticut. She is a proud third generation Naval Aviator and a 2009 graduate of Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame, Indiana, where she received a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Studies. She commissioned as an Ensign through the University of Notre Dame Reserve Officer Training Corps. CDR Irwin was designated a naval aviator at Naval Air Station Whiting Field in August 2011 after completing her primary and advanced flight training at Training Squadron TWO (VT-2) and Helicopter Training Squadron EIGHT (HT-8). She was assigned to Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron TEN (HS-10) at Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego, CA where she qualified in the HH-60H/SH-60F. Following her Fleet Replacement Squadron training she reported to Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron FIVE (HS-5) in Norfolk, VA. There, she deployed with Carrier Air Wing SEVEN (CVW-7) aboard the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) for 11 months in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. In 2013 she transitioned with Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron FIVE to the MH-60S and deployed aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE. While at HSC-5, CDR Irwin served as the Legal Officer, Schedules Officer, AV/ARM DIVO, Quality Assurance Officer, and Assistant Operations Officer.

In February of 2016, CDR Irwin reported as a Fleet Replacement Squadron flight instructor at Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron TWO (HSC-2) in Norfolk, VA where she served as the Student Control Officer, Naval Air Training Operating Procedures Standardization Officer, and Administrative Officer.

In 2020, CDR Irwin reported as a Department Head to HSC-9 where she served as the Administrative, Training, Maintenance, and Operations Officer. Her time at HSC-9 included various overland and underway detachments with CVW-8 aboard the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) to prepare the fleet’s newest aircraft carrier for her maiden deployment in 2022.

In 2023, CDR Irwin graduated from the College of Naval Command and Staff at the United States Naval War College in Newport, RI where she earned her JPME Phase I and a Master’s Degree in Defense and Strategic Studies. CDR Irwin has accumulated more than 2,000 total flight hours in various naval aircraft. Her personal decorations include the Navy Commendation Medal (two awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two awards), and multiple unit and service medals.