Cmdr. Richard S. Duchnowski, a native of Wayne, New Jersey, enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1995 as an aviation electronics technician.  He graduated from Excelsior University in 2023 with an associate's degree in liberal arts. He was commissioned in 2009 through the Limited Duty Officer program.

His enlisted assignments include Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 132; Avionics "A" School instructor, Naval Air Technical Training Center; VAQ-138; and "C" School instructor, Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit (CNATTU) Whidbey Island.

As an officer, he served as IM4 division officer (DIVO), IM2 DIVO and quality assurance officer (QAO) aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72); VAQ-129, where he earned the 2014 Lester B. Tucker award as the “Ground Officer of the Year”; maintenance material control officer (MMCO) and assistant maintenance officer at VAQ-140; QAO and MMCO at Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 106, where he also completed a nine-month temporary assignment to Commander, Naval Air Forces Atlantic, serving as deputy Maintenance Operations Center director; maintenance officer for Team Battle Axe at Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3, where he completed a deployment to U.S. 5th Fleet aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69); and maintenance officer at Patrol Squadron (VP) 30, where his team won back-to-back Golden Wrench awards. 

He reported to CNATTU Oceana as executive officer in December 2024.

His personal awards include the Meritorious Service Award (two awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (six awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (four awards), and various unit and campaign awards.  He is a qualified professional aviation maintenance officer. 
 

Last Updated: 11 December 2024