Military Branch: Navy; Rank: CW3

Summary:

Jonathan S. Gibson was born on February 15, 1981, in Fairbanks, AK. In 1999, at the age of 18, he enlisted in the Navy out of Aurora, Oregon. At Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego, California, he was assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron Six. In March 2001, he obtained his Aircrew Wings of Gold and reported to Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light FOUR NINE. While there, Jonathan served as the NATOPS Petty Officer and traveled twice with Detachment THREE in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM and OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM.

He reported to Helicopter Maritime Strike Weapons School Pacific in April 2005. He was a plankowner and Program Manager for the Small Arms, Airborne Use of Force, and the Helicopter Aerial Gunnery Instructor Programs. Warrant Officer Gibson was named Commander Helicopter Maritime Strike Weapons School Pacific Instructor of the Year in 2006 for his outstanding contributions. In April 2008, Warrant Officer Gibson was assigned to Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light FOUR FIVE.

Jonathan had aspirations of becoming a flight instructor.

Jon was selected for the Flying Warrant Officer Program after completing his Associate's Degree in Organizational Management at Vincennes University, and received his commission in December 2008. Warrant Officer Gibson was assigned to the Naval Aviation Training Pipeline and reported to Pensacola. He relocated to Milton, Florida after successfully completing Aviation Preflight Indoctrination. On August 12, 2011, he earned his Aviation Wings of Gold after completing Primary Flight School in the T-34C with Training Squadron THREE and Advanced Flight School in the TH-57B and TH-57C with Helicopter Training TWO EIGHT.

He then traveled to San Diego to train with Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron THREE in the MH-60S. In September 2012, Jon was assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron SIX as a Pilot Qualified in Model. He worked as a Ground Training Officer, Mission Planning System Officer, and Detachment Training Officer while at HSC-6. On June 21, 2013, while deployed with Carrier Strike Group ELEVEN on the USS NIMITZ, he earned his certification as a Helicopter Second Pilot.

Jon was a passionate family man who was also athletic, witty and had a strong sense of duty.

Mountain biking, surfing, paragliding, and snowboarding were among his favorite activities, but his greatest pastime was playing with his children.

Life Achievements/ Recognitions:

Jonathan graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a bachelor's degree after attending Central Hardin High School in Cecilia, Ky.

In 2006, he married Chrissy.

Navy Achievement, Navy Unit Commendations, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Good Conduct, National Defense Service, the Armed Forces Expeditionary, the Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary, Global War on Terrorism Service, Rifle Marksman, Pistol Marksman, Sea Service Deployment and multiple Sailors of the Month and Quarter Awards are among Jonathan’s military decorations and awards.