Commander Tim Symons
Commander Tim Symons is a 1993 graduate of Duke University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. Upon completion of flight training in Pensacola, Florida, he was designated a Naval Aviator in April 1996.
He then reported to the Fleet Angels of HC-2 in Norfolk, Virginia, flying the mighty UH-3H Sea King after his initial training at HS-1 in Jacksonville, Florida. During his first operational tour, he deployed to Manama, Bahrain, and Naples, Italy, and served as a Detachment Assistant Operations Officer, Detachment Administrative Officer, Flight Officer, and Aircraft Division Officer.
In 1999, he was assigned to the MH-60R/S Fleet Introduction Team in San Diego, CA, and served as the MH-60S Deputy Program Manager until January 2001. He then reported next door to HC-3 for MH-60S instructor pilot duties and served as Assistant Maintenance Officer.
In October 2002, CDR Symons reported to the Chargers of HC-6 in Norfolk, Virginia. As Assistant Officer-In-Charge (AOIC), he deployed in direct support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM in January 2003 on board the USS BATAAN (LHD 5). While attached with the Chargers, he served as Quality Assurance Officer, Assistant Operations Officer, and COMHELTACWINGLANT Weapons and Tactics Unit Officer-in-Charge (OIC).
In August 2004, he reported for his Department Head tour with the Dragon Whales of
HC-8 where he completed a Masters of Science Degree in Global Leadership from the University of San Diego. While at HC-8, he deployed as the OIC of Detachment TWO on board the USS KEARSARGE (LHD 3) and completed Officer-of the Deck Underway qualification. His squadron assignments also included Tactics Officer, Administrative Officer, and Maintenance Officer.
In 2006, CDR Symons attended the Naval War College, and earned a Masters of Science Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies. He was then assigned to the Office of the Secretary of Defense, where he served as me Assistant Director, Resale Activities and Non-appropriated 'Fund Policy. In this capacity, he was responsible for the development and oversight of the Defense Department's construction and public-private venture policies for 13,000 facilities affecting over 5 million people worldwide.
Commander Symons reported to HSC-22 as the Executive Officer in May 2010 and served as the Sea Knights Commanding Officer from July of 2011 to November 2012. He next reported to the OPNAV N98 staff in November 2012 to serve as the MH-60S Requirements Officer. He reported to HSC-3 as the Prospective Commanding Officer in October 2013.
He is married to the former Dr. Christina Massell of Spring, Texas and they reside in Coronado, CA with their two children Caleb and Kylee. His awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (six awards), Navy Achievement Medal (two awards) and numerous unit, campaign and service awards.