CDR Rudy Hawkins grew up in Mandeville, LA, and graduated from the US Naval Academy in 2003 with a degree in Systems Engineering. He earned his Master’s Degree in Global Leadership through the University of San Diego in 2011.
His first operational tour was at Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron FOUR (HS-4) in San Diego, CA, where he flew the SH-60F/HH-60H. Hawkins completed three deployments on board USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) for Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom and WESTPAC Operations. He also took part in the reconstruction and recovery of Panay Island, Philippines, in 2008 after it was hit by Category V Typhoon Fengshen. He served as Scheduling Officer, Personnel Officer and Assistant Operations Officer.
In 2009 he reported to the Warhawks of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron TEN (HS-10) as a Helicopter Flight Instructor where he served as the Assistant Training Officer, Aircrew Division Officer and SAR Officer. In October, 2011 he reported to USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19) in Norfolk, VA, as Assistant Air Officer, Aviation Fuels Officer, and Safety Officer. He “fleeted up” in August 2012 as Airboss and earned his qualification as Officer of the Deck Underway in June 2013.
In June, 2014 he reported to HSC-28 Dragon Whales in Norfolk, for his Department Head tour. He served as DET 1B Officer-in-Charge forward deployed to Naples, Italy. While forward deployed to Sixth Fleet he took part in BALTOPS 2015 on board USS San Antonio (LPD 17) and also embarked on board USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20). He supported JTF MATTHEW in October 2016 for disaster relief operations to Haiti. Additionally, he served as Safety Officer and Maintenance Officer for HSC-28 where the squadron was awarded three consecutive Battle “E” awards and two consecutive CNO Aviation Safety Awards.
Hawkins served as the Naval Safety Center Rotary Wing/Unmanned Aerial Systems Analyst from 2017 from to 2020. He also served as an Aviation Safety Assessment Team Leader. During his tenure he contributed to the development of Risk Management Information (RMI) system and improved the Aviation Safety Analytic capability of the Naval Safety Center and earned the Meritorious Unit Citation.
Most recently Hawkins served as USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) Aviation Safety Officer from May 2020 to March 2022. He successfully and safely contributed to the once in a generation Shock Trials Certification for FORD Class CVNs. He transferred to Naval Air Station Corpus Christi in June 2022 as Executive Officer.
Hawkins has been awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal in addition to other campaign and unit awards.
Last Updated: 3 June 2022