Commander John M. Coombs

Commander John “Freeride” Coombs, a native of Truckee, California received his commission from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2005 and earned his Wings as an unrestricted Naval Aviator.

CDR Coombs operational assignments include the forward deployed Warlords of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light Five One (HSL-51) flying the SH-60B/F and the Wolf Pack of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron Seven Five (HSM-75) flying the MH-60R. He supported operations with Carrier Air Wing FIVE and ELEVEN in support of numerous patrols in the SEVENTH Fleet and FIFTH Fleet areas of responsibility and Operation Inherent Resolve.

CDR Coombs shore assignments include as a SEAWOLF Weapons and Tactics Instructor at Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center (NSAWC), Crisis Management and Defense Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA) on the staff of U.S. Northern Command’s Operations Directorate (USNORTHCOM J3), and his most recent assignment where he commanded Navy Talent Acquisition Group Rocky Mountain.
CDR Coombs holds a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Ocean Engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy and a Master’s of Science Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Wyoming.

CDR Coombs has accumulated over 2000 flight hours in four variants of the H60.

Last Updated: 12 March 2024