CAPT Jose Arana

EXECUTIVE OFFICER, USS MAKIN ISLAND (LHD 8)

29 April 2023 CAPT Arana is a native of San Juan, Puerto Rico and 1997 graduate of the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology. He received his commission from Officer Candidate School in December of 1999 and earned his Naval Aviator wings in April of 2001.

CAPT Arana completed the FRS in San Diego in April 2002 where he learned to fly the MH-60S. His first assignment was with the “Chargers” of then HC-6, later designated HSC-26, as the NVD/NSW Program Manager from June of 2002 to September of 2005.

Following completion of his first sea tour CAPT Arana completed the Seahawk Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) Course in Fallon, Nevada. He was a plank owner of Helicopter Sea Combat Weapons School, Atlantic (HSCWSL), in Norfolk, VA where he served as the NATOPS Officer/WTI from November 2005 to April 2007. During his time at the Weapons School, CAPT Arana earned a Master’s in Business Administration from the Naval Post Graduate School. He then moved on to serve as the first HSC “Super JO” Tactics Officer/WTI for HSC-28 until March 2008.

CAPT Arana served as the Assistant Air Officer (MINIBOSS) aboard USS KEARSARGE (LHD 3) from March 2008 to February 2010. During his time aboard KEARSARGE he earned his Officer of the Deck and CDO (Inport) qualifications, and was selected for his Operational Department Head tour.

He served as the Operations and Maintenance Officer for the Tridents of HSC-9 from 2011 to 2013 and deployed on USS GEORGE H. W. BUSH (CVN 77) on her maiden voyage for a seven month deployment in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM.

Post Department Head, CAPT Arana served as Operations Officer, National Joint Operations and Intelligence Center, National Military Command Center, Directorate for Operations, J-3, Joint Staff, Pentagon, Washington, D.C. He assisted the Deputy Director for Operations in leading National Military Command Center monitoring of and response to global military operations, to include threat warning and attack data in advising senior military and civilian leaders.

CAPT Arana was also responsible for development and transmission of messages directing execution of OPLAN 8010 and Combatant Command nuclear plans. As a member of the Joint Staff, CAPT Arana served as a Global Strike Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Secretary of Defense, and the President.

He was selected in the FY-15 Aviation Command Screen Board to take command of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron TWELVE based out of Atsugi, Japan. Enroute to his command tour, CAPT Arana attended the US Army War College at Carlisle Barracks from August 2015 to June 2016, where he earned his second Master’s degree, in Strategic Studies.

CAPT Arana reported to the World Famous Golden Falcons (WFGF) assigned to Carrier Air Wing FIVE and USS Ronald Reagan Strike Group in March of 2017. He led the WFGF to new heights winning the Secretary of Defense PHOENIX award for Maintenance Excellence two consecutive years, the Battle-E, and earning multiple Golden Wrench, Retention, and Blue H/M awards. His squadron was selected to provide Direct Action support to POTUS during his historic de-nuclerization summit in Singapore.

CAPT Arana was selected to serve as the O5 Helicopter Assignments Officer and Deputy Director of the Aviation Distribution Office at the Bureau of Navy Personnel (PER 43). He was selected for Major Command at Sea during the FY22 Aviation Major Command Screen Board and is the Prospective Executive Officer of USS Makin Island (LHD 8) in San Diego, CA.

CAPT Arana has flown missions in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom and New Dawn. These accomplishments have earned him the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Navy Commendation Medal (four awards), and various campaign, unit and individual awards.