Captain Newt “Bomb” McKissick of McKinney, Texas graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and was commissioned an Ensign in May 1999. He reported to Pensacola, Florida for flight training and was designated a Naval Aviator in August 2001.
Following Fleet Replacement training in the SH-60B Seahawk, he reported to the Grandmasters of HSL-46 at NS Mayport. Captain McKissick deployed with HSL-46 Det 2 onboard USS CARR (FFG 52) and with Det 4 on USS MONTEREY (CG 61) in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. There he was recognized as HSL-46 Pilot of the Year and HSL Wing Atlantic Pilot of the Year.
In August 2005, Captain McKissick was assigned to Helicopter Maritime Strike Weapons School Wing Atlantic and achieved the designation of Seahawk Weapons and Tactics Instructor. At the Weapons School he served as Schedules Officer, Tac D&E Officer, and as the Operations Officer and there he was awarded the peer nominated Commander Naval Air Forces Leadership Award for 2007.
In August 2008, following transition training for the MH-60R Seahawk, he reported to the Spartans of HSM-70 in Jacksonville, Florida. As a Plank Owner, he served as the squadron’s Weapons and Tactics Instructor, Training Officer, Operations Officer onboard USS GEORGE H. W. BUSH (CVN-77) and Detachment OIC onboard USS TRUXTUN (DDG-103).
Captain McKissick was assigned to the Pentagon in support of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Financial Management & Comptroller (FMB). There his duties involved the budgeting of all procurement and research and development (RDTEN) for naval aviation.
He is a graduate of the Naval Postgraduate School, earning an Executive Master of Business Administration degree, and the Naval War College in Newport, RI earning a Master of Arts degree in National Security and Strategic Studies.
Following refresher training with the Airwolves of HSM-40, Captain McKissick reported to the Saberhawks of HSM-77 as the Executive Officer then Commanding officer from October of 2016 to February 2019 in Atsugi, Japan. There he deployed on five patrols onboard USS RONALD REAGAN (CVN 76) in support of Battle Force SEVENTH FLEET.
He is now assigned as the Commanding Officer of Naval Base Coronado.
Captain McKissick has flown more than 3,000 flight hours. His personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (two awards), the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (four awards), and various unit commendations, service and campaign awards.
Last Updated: 7 September 2023