SAR COMMANDER
2008-Present
CDR SHANE Yates, USN
A native of Bandera, Texas, CDR Shane Yates graduated from University of Texas and was commissioned an Ensign through the ROTC Program in June of 1991. He was designated a Naval Aviator and received his Wings of Gold in December of 1993 and flew SH-60F and HH-60H Seahawk helicopters while assigned to Fleet Replacement Squadron HS-10 in San Diego. CDR Yates’ first fleet assignment was to HS-6 also based in San Diego.
In 1998 CDR Yates reported to Seahawk Weapons and Tactics(SWTI) School at Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center(NSAWC) in Fallon, NV. At NSAWC, he was part of the initial cadre of officially designated SWTI and served as an instructor and program manager for the course. The SWTI course is designed to teach Navy Seahawk Pilots and Aircrew advanced helicopter tactics.
After leaving NSAWC, CDR Yates was assigned as an Advanced Tactics Instructor with the “Eightballers” of HS-8. In 2002 CDR Yates left HS-8 to become Advanced Tactics Instructor and Operations Officer of the “Black Knights” of HS-4. While assigned to HS-4 CDR Yates completed several operational deployments.
Following his tour at HS-4, CDR Yates served as the Deputy Director of the USN Rotary Wing Weapons School (RWWS) at NSAWC. The RWWS trains helicopter pilots in advanced helicopter employment tactics and serves as the clearinghouse for all Navy Helo tactics, techniques and procedures. While at the RWWS CDR Yates was the TACFORM, aerial gunnery and briefing skills subject matter expert.
SAR COMMANDER
2004-2008
CDR DOUG RUSSELL, USN
Commander Doug Russell, an Oregon native, graduated from Oregon State University in 1986. He completed primary and helicopter flight training in the T-34 and TH-57 at NAS Whiting Field, FL . Commander Russell received his wings of gold from HT-18 in April 1988.
Commander Russell reported to HSL-40, NAS Mayport, FL for training in the SH-60B Seahawk. Subsequently, Commander Russell's initial fleet assignment was with HSL-44 from 1989-1992 where he made deployments to the Mediterranean Sea aboard the USS KAUFFMAN (FFG 59) and Persian Gulf aboard the USS HALYBURTON (FFG 40) in support of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. During his three-year tour he served as Detachment Administrative Officer, Detachment Operations Officer and Squadron Assistant Operations Officer. In 1991, he was selected as HSL-44's Officer of the Year.
In 1992, Commander Russell reported to the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA, where he was awarded a Master of Science in Information Technology Management. Following graduation from postgraduate school in 1994, Commander Russell reported to Destroyer Squadron TWENTY ONE as the Air Operations Officer. During this tour, Commander Russell fleeted up to Operations Officer, deploying to the Persian Gulf aboard the USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN 72).
In 1996, Commander Russell reported to the staff of Commander, Helicopter Antisubmarine Light Wing, U. S. Pacific Fleet as the Training and Tactics Officer. While at the wing, Commander Russell also flew as a Fleet Replacement Instructor Pilot at HSL-41 in San Diego, CA.
In 1998 Commander Russell transferred to HSL-51 in Atsugi, Japan. While with the Warlords, Commander Russell deployed aboard USS MOBILE BAY (CG 53), USS THACH (FFG 43), USS CUSHING (DD 985), USS OBRIEN (DD 975), and USS VANDEGRIFT (FFG 48) for numerous deployments to the Western Pacific, including operations off the coast of Korea and East Timor. As a detachment Officer In Charge, Commander Russell deployed the squadron's first Night Vision Goggle (NVG) capable detachment, and was the squadron's first NVG instructor pilot. Both HELLFIRE and PENGUIN missile qualified, he completed his tour at HSL-51 as the Squadron Operations Officer.
In June 2001 Commander Russell reported to Commander, U. S. Naval Forces Europe in London, England, where he was the NAVEUR Exercise Director, responsible for the planning and execution of over 200 multi-lateral exercises a year in the European Theater.
In August 2004, Commander Russell reported to Naval Air Station Fallon, Nevada, as the Executive Officer and Search and Rescue Team Leader. He has performed over 20 successful rescues since arriving in Fallon.
Commander Russell has accumulated over 3500 flight hours and 1000 small deck landings. His military decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (four awards) and various unit awards and citations.
Commander Russell is married to the former Kelly Ghent of San Diego, CA. They reside in Fallon, Nevada, with their three children, Vance (2002), Rome (2005) and McKenna (2006).