Website:  http://www.mcbh.usmc.mil/HSL37-New/main.html

HSL-37 EASYRIDERS

CDR P.A. MOLENDA

Commander Patrick A. Molenda grew up in a Navy family, and ultimately settled in Pensacola , Florida . He graduated in 1986 from Jacksonville University where he earned his commission through the Reserve Officer Training Program.

     Following his designation as a naval aviator in 1987, Commander Molenda reported to HSL-31 at Naval Air Station, North Island , California , for training in the SH-2F Seasprite. After completion of the SH-2F Fleet Replacement Squadron, Commander Molenda transferred to HSL-37 at Naval Air Station Barbers Point , Hawaii where he served from 1988 to 1991. During his first tour with the “EasyRiders”, Commander Molenda deployed to the Western Pacific in USS HAROLD E HOLT (FF 1074). He deployed again in USS BADGER (FF 1071) supporting counter-narcotics operations in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific. Returning from sea, he served as the squadron tactics and training officer.

     In May of 1991, Commander Molenda was selected for duty as a Joint Staff Intern, the Joint Chiefs of Staff in the Pentagon. During this tour, he served in the J6 Directorate assigned to the Pacific and Atlantic Command Division, focusing on command, control, and communications requirements for the combatant commanders. After completion of his internship, Commander Molenda was transferred to the Bureau of Naval Personnel where he served in the Personnel Readiness and Quality of Life Division.

     Commander Molenda reported to USS DENVER (LPD 9) stationed in San Diego , California as Air Officer in May of 1993. In November of 1993, he participated in Operation Restore Hope supporting combat and humanitarian operations in Mogadishu , Somalia .

     In June of 1995, Commander Molenda transferred to HSL-41, in San Diego , California for transition training into the SH-60 Seahawk. Upon completion, he was designated a SH-60B instructor pilot, and served as the squadron Maintenance Officer. In 1997, the command earned the “Sikorsky Most Improved Maintenance Department” award. During the same year, Commander Molenda was selected as the Naval Helicopter Association’s Maintenance Officer of the Year.

     In January of 1998, Commander Molenda reported to the “Saberhawks” of HSL-47 where he initially served as Officer in Charge of Detachment SIX embarked in USS MCCLUSKY (FFG-41). He deployed to the Persian Gulf in support of FIFTH Fleet Maritime Interdiction Operations, and participated in Operation Desert Fox against Iraq . Returning from sea, Commander Molenda served as squadron Maintenance Officer, and during his tenure the squadron earned the “Sikorsky Most Improved Maintenance Department” award.

     In July of 2000, Commander Molenda was selected by the Chief of Naval Operations to attend the Naval Operational Planning Course (NOPC) at the Naval War College in Newport , Rhode Island . In September of 2001, he completed the NOPC curriculum and earned a Masters of Arts degree in National Security and Strategic Studies graduating with distinction.

     In October of 2001, Commander Molenda reported to the Commander, SEVENTH Fleet in Yokosuka , Japan where he worked in the operations, exercise, and engagement division serving as the SEVENTH Fleet Joint Training and Exercise Officer, and as a Battle Watch Captain.

     In May of 2003, Commander Molenda reported to HSL-37 and served as Executive Officer until September 2004.

     Commander Molenda’s personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (4 awards), and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.