Commander Shawn Horigan enlisted in the U.S. Navy in October 1995 as an aviation structural mechanic. He received his commission through the Limited Duty Officer program in October 2009.  He holds both Master of Science and Bachelor of Science degrees from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

His enlisted assignments include serving as a flight engineer on the P-3C Orion aircraft. He served in Patrol Squadron (VP) 9, at Naval Air Station Barbers Point, Hawaii; VP-30 at Jacksonville, Florida, and VP-4 at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. In 2007, he reported to the U. S. Naval Academy as the Ninth Company senior enlisted advisor. He achieved the rank of chief petty officer in 2003.

His officer assignments include the USS George Washington, CVN-73, forward deployed to Officer (6320) and was assigned to Yokosuka, Japan. There he qualified as tactical Action Officer and served as combat systems training team lead.

He reported for duty at the Tactical Operations Center (TOC) in Sigonella, Italy, in February 2013.  He served as the assistant officer in charge and operations officer for the TOC and as a staff watch officer for Commander, Task Force 67. 

In February 2016, Horigan assumed duties aboard NAS Whidbey Island, Washington as Officer in Charge (OIC) of Mobile Tactical Operations Center 4 (MTOC-4). In August 2017, he assumed duties as OIC of Mobile Tactical Operations Center 2 (MTOC-2).

He reported for duty at Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Group/Group Pacific (CPRG/CPRGP) in Norfolk, Virginia, in June 2018.  There he served as director for Information Systems (N6) and TacMobile program manager (N61).

In December 2020, Horigan assumed duties as assistant air operations officer and helicopter logistics coordinator for Commander, Carrier Strike Group 2, embarked on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, CVN 69.

He assumed his duties as TacMobile and ASW Sensors requirements officer, for Director, Air Warfare (N98), at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, in August 2023.

He reported as executive officer for the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit Whidbey Island, Washington, in April 2026.

His personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (six awards), Navy Achievement Medal (four awards) and various unit commendations and awards.  He is qualified as a naval aviation observer, naval aircrewman, and enlisted aviation warfare specialist.
 

Last Updated: 9 April 2026