Rear Admiral Richard J. O’Hanlon, a native of New York City, is a 1976 graduate of the United States Naval Academy and was designated a naval aviator in September 1977.

Seagoing assignments include service in Attack Squadron 46, Carrier Group 3 staff, Strike Fighter Squadron 132 and USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) as executive officer. O’Hanlon commanded Strike Fighter Squadron 37, the fast combat support ship USS Sacramento (AOE 1) and the nuclear powered aircraft carrier, USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). He was also assigned as Commander, Strike Force Training Atlantic, responsible for the integrated and advanced training of the deployable carrier and expeditionary strike groups in the Atlantic Fleet.

O’Hanlon has served ashore at the Naval Air Test Center, Patuxent River, Md., conducting developmental and engineering test projects on the A-7 and the FA-18. He was also assigned as the executive assistant to the Chief of Legislative Affairs, Washington, and as chief of staff to Commander, Naval Air Force, U. S. Atlantic Fleet and most recently completed a tour as the deputy chief of staff for Fleet Readiness and Training, U.S. Fleet Forces Command. Joint experience includes a tour as director, Standing Joint Forces Headquarters (SJFHQ), U.S. Joint Forces Command where he was charged with the development of this joint command and control capability and supporting the regional combatant commanders in the establishment of a SJFHQ. In January 2009 he reported to his current assignment as Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic.

He is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School and completed the nuclear power training program in 1995.

O’Hanlon has flown over 4,000 flight hours in 30 different military aircraft and has logged over 900 carrier-arrested landings. He is the recipient of the Defense Superior Service Medal, five Legions of Merit, two Bronze Stars, three Meritorious Service Medals, three Navy Commendation Medals as well as numerous unit commendations and awards.