Capt. Daniel Testa graduated from Purdue University in December 1997. He was commissioned on December 22, 1997 through the Naval Reserve Officer’s Training Corps program at Purdue University. He holds a master’s degree in National Security and Strategic Studies and Joint Professor of Military Education Phase I accreditation from the United States Naval War College, at Naval Station Newport, Rhode Island. 
 
His operational assignments include SH-60B Seahawk pilot for Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 48, in Mayport , Florida; operations officer for HSL-40, in Mayport, Florida, Air Department mini boss on USS Iwo Jima (LHD-7); executive and commanding officer for Helicopter Strike Maritime (HSM) 74 “Swamp Foxes,” in Jacksonville, Florida; airboss on USS Makin Islands (LHD-8), in San Diego, California; and planning officer for Commander, International Security Assistance Force (COMISAF), which was forward deployed to Afghanistan.
 
His shore assignments include NATO staff officer for Joint Force Command Brunssum, Netherlands and as executive assistant at Naval Education and Training Command.
 
Testa’s awards include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Joint Service Commendation Medal (two awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal and various other personal and unit accommodations. He was that HSL-48 Officer of the Year for 2010-2011 and won Navy and Marine Corp Leadership Award for Commander, Helicopter Maritime Strike Wing Atlantic (CHSMWINGLANT) in 2011. 
 

Last Updated: 24 August 2022