CAPT Manuel J. Pardo

Past Commanding Officer, USS America (LHA 6)

14 July 2023 Captain Pardo, a native of Miami, FL graduated from the US Naval Academy in 2000 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics. He was winged a Naval Aviator in 2002 and reported to the “Airwolves” of HSL-40, where he qualified in the SH-60B Seahawk helicopter. He also holds Master’s Degrees in Business Administration from the University of Florida and National Security and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College. 

Captain Pardo’s sea-duty tours include HSL-42, where as a “Proud Warrior” he deployed to the USSOUTHCOM AOR aboard USS STEPHEN W. GROVES (FFG 29) and aboard USS NORMANDY (CG 60) in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM; HSM-70, where he served as Quality Assurance Officer during the ramp-up for the “Spartans” inaugural MH-60R deployment to the 5th FLEET AOR aboard USS GEORGE H.W. BUSH (CVN 77); and the “Swamp Foxes” of HSM-74 where he served as a Detachment Officer-in Charge and as the Squadron Maintenance Officer aboard USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN 75) in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Additionally, he has deployed to NATO Air Training Command-Afghanistan serving as Director of Operations to the 738th Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadron. From August 2018 to December 2019 he served as Commanding Officer of HSM-46 where his squadron earned the coveted Battle “E” award for Combat Effectiveness for the third year in a row. He served as Executive Officer aboard USS America from April 2022 to July 2023. 

Captain Pardo’s shore-duty tours include HSL-40, as an FRS Instructor Pilot in Mayport, FL, where he served as Training Schedules and Assistant Training Officer, and to United States Central Command in Tampa, FL as Lead Exercise Planner while assigned to the J7, Director of Exercises and Training. Following command, CDR Pardo reported to the OPNAV staff as the Deputy Director of Executive Programs for the Office of the Director of Navy Staff. He recently completed a Fellowship at Johnson and Johnson as a Secretary of Defense Executive Fellow. 

He currently serves as the Commanding Officer aboard USS America. 

Captain Pardo’s personal decorations include the National Helicopter Association 2019 Rear Admiral Tomaszeski Squadron Commanding Officer Leadership Award, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal (Strike/Flight) (2), Navy Commendation Medal (4), Navy Achievement Medal (4) and numerous campaign and unit awards.