RDML Michael Donnelly

Past Commander, Carrier Strike Group 5, (CCSG 5)

25 October 2021 Rear Adm. Michael “Buzz” Donnelly is a native of Kent Island, Maryland. He is a 1989 graduate of Villanova University and was commissioned via the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps. He is also a 2002 graduate of the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island.

As a naval flight officer, Donnelly made deployments flying the F-14A/B/D Tomcat and F/A-18F Super Hornet.  He served as commanding officer for Strike Fighter Squadron 154 (VFA-154) “Black Knights"; the last commanding officer of USS Denver (LPD 9) forward deployed to Sasebo, Japan, and as commanding officer of USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) forward-deployed to Yokosuka, Japan.  

Ashore, Donnelly served on the International Military Staff at NATO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, and two tours with the Air Warfare Directorate (N88/N98), OPNAV Staff, Pentagon, as Naval Aviation’s F/A-18 Requirements officer and as Aircraft Carrier Requirements branch head. Donnelly most recently served as the 37th Commander of U.S. Naval Forces Korea and Commander, Navy Region Korea. 

In addition to personal awards, Donnelly has served with commands awarded the Battle Efficiency Award as well as the U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendations.