Cmdr. SEAN W. HANLEY
EXECUTIVE OFFICER, USS MASON (DDG 87)
11 April 2024
Commander Sean Hanley is a native of Belmar, New Jersey. He attended the University of San Diego where he was commissioned via the NROTC program in 2008 and graduated with a degree in Chemistry and minor in Physics. In the fall of 2014, he graduated from the Naval Postgraduate School, where he earned a Master’s of Science in Applied Physics.
At sea, he served as Communications Officer in USS Gridley (DDG 101), Operations Planning Officer for Amphibious Squadron Eleven (CPR 11), Operations Officer in USS William P. Lawrence (DDG 110), Combat Systems Officer in USS William P. Lawrence and most recently as Commanding Officer of USS Thunderbolt (PC 12). CDR Hanley has supported Operation Enduring Freedom, and numerous U.S. 5th Fleet and U.S. 7th Fleet deployments.
During CDR Hanley’s time at the Naval Postgraduate School he was selected for the Chief of Naval Operations Strategic Studies Group 34 and reported as a Director Fellow in 2014. He was responsible for directly developing revolutionary naval warfare concepts for the Naval personnel system for the 2030s and beyond.
Ashore, he served as the Maritime Planner, United States National Military Representation to the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
His personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (2), Navy Achievement Medal (3), as well as various unit and campaign awards.