Rear Adm. O'Hanlon is 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.

His assignments at sea 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), the nuclear powered aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) and Strike Force Training Atlantic.

O'Hanlon served ashore at the Naval Air Test Center, Patuxent River, Maryland., 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, DC and as chief of staff to commander, Naval Air Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet. O'Hanlon completed a tour as 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, U.S. Joint Forces Command. In January 2009 he reported to commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic. He is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School and the nuclear power training program.

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, Bronze Star Medals (two awards), Meritorious Service (three awards) and Navy Commendation Medals as well as numerous unit commendations and awards.

Last Updated: 3 February 2022