LTJonathan J. Lushenko, USN
Lieutenant Jonathan J. Lushenko graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2005 with Honor and Distinction and most recently completed his first sea tour as an integral member of the Navy’s first MH-60R helicopter squadron, Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron SEVEN ONE (HSM 71). After earning designation as a Naval Aviator in 2007, Lieutenant Lushenko was hand-selected to complete training as one of the first MH-60R pilots and successfully led the HSM 71 Line Division through the Navy’s first embarkation of the MH-60R during pre-deployment work-ups aboard the USS JOHN C. STENNIS (CVN 74). While a member of HSM 71, he also served as the Assistant Operations Officer, Legal Officer, Administrative Division Officer, Training/Schedules Officer, USS ANTIETAM (CG 54) DETACHMENT TWO Training Officer, and Lessons Learned Officer. Lieutenant Lushenko instrumentally coordinated and planned the first-ever dual-squadron, 19 helicopter fly-off following the highly-successful maiden deployment of HSM 71 in 2009. While a member of HSM 71, his technical expertise and professional acumen helped HSM 71 earn the Battle Efficiency Award in 2009, and selection for the CAPT Arnold J. Isbell Trophy for superior air antisubmarine warfare in 2009 and 2011.
Lieutenant Lushenko completed a Masters of Professional Studies (MPS) at the University of Maryland in May 2012 as part of the USNA Leadership Education and Development (LEAD) Program. Upon completion of the LEAD Program he was selected by his peers to receive The United States Naval Academy Major Richard J. Gannon II, USMC, Award for Outstanding Achievement in the LEAD Program. He currently serves as the 14th Company Officer where he leads, trains, and mentors over 150 midshipmen and is the Midshipmen Action Group Officer Representative, and the Sprint Football Team Assistant Officer Representative.
Lieutenant Lushenko is married to the former Mallory Houk who is a “Navy Junior.” His identical twin brother, Army Captain Paul Lushenko, is a 2005 graduate of the United States Military Academy, and is an Army Ranger. LT Lushenko holds various decorations and awards and earned recognition as the first MH-60R pilot awarded the Southern Californian Offshore Range (SCORE) QUICK KILL Challenge Award for ASW Excellence in 2009, and was also the first-ever MH-60R to earn qualification as USMC Range Safety Officer in 2011. While a midshipmen, he was selected as the 30th Company Commander, a member of the debate team, and earned an athletic letter as a walk-on senior to the Sprint Football Team.