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NavSource Online: Amphibious Photo Archive


Contributed by Mike Smolinski

USS Mesa Verde (LPD-19)


CAPT. Nicholas Dienna USN

Captain Nick Dienna is a 1990 graduate of the United States Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science Degree in History.

Upon graduation and commissioning as an Ensign, Dienna reported to Pensacola, Florida for flight training and was designated a Naval Flight Officer in August 1992. After completion of FRS training with Fighter Squadron 101 at NAS Oceana, Virginia, he was ordered to the “Sluggers” of VF-103 in July 1993. While attached to VF-103, Dienna served in a variety of billets, deployed to the Adriatic Sea aboard USS SARATOGA (CV 60) in support of OPERATION DENY FLIGHT / PROVIDE PROMISE, and made an extended deployment to the Arabian Gulf aboard USS ENTERPRISE (CVN 65).

In November 1996, Dienna was ordered to the Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center, NAS Fallon, Nevada, as a TOPGUN instructor. In December 1999, Dienna reported to the VF-211 “Checkmates”, serving as Training Officer and squadron Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor (SFTI), deploying to the Arabian Gulf onboard USS JOHN C. STENNIS (CVN 74) in support of OPERATION SOUTHERN WATCH. After promotion to Lieutenant Commander in August 2000, he served as Operations Officer during an extended combat deployment to the North Arabian Sea, flying in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM.

In August 2002, he reported to the RAND Corporation in Santa Monica, California as a Federal Executive Fellow. In July 2003, Dienna was assigned to United States Special Operations Command. In July, 2005, Dienna reported to VFA-106, NAS Oceana, Virginia, as the OIC of the Super Hornet Fleet Replacement Squadron detachment.

In April 2007, Dienna reported to VFA-2, NAS Lemoore, California, as Executive Officer. He assumed command of the “BOUNTY HUNTERS” in August 2008, and completed an extended deployment on board USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72) in support of combat operations in both OIF and OEF.

In February, 2010, Dienna reported to the Navy Nuclear Power Training Command in Charleston, South Carolina, and completed the nuclear training pipeline in June 2011. In July 2011, Dienna reported as Executive Officer, USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN 69), completing two deployments. In October 2013, he was ordered to United States Fleet Forces Command.

Dienna has accumulated more than 2900 flight hours and 800 arrested landings. His awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (3 awards), Strike/Flight Air Medal (six awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (three awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (three awards) and various campaign and service awards. He is a graduate of the U.S. Naval War College, College of Continuing Education, and holds a Master of Science degree in Global Leadership from the University of San Diego.
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