A native of Hamilton, New Jersey, CDR Kevin A. Mazzella commissioned out of Officer Candidate School in February 2011. Upon completion of flight school, he transferred to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron SEVEN FIVE (HSM-75) in San Diego, CA where he flew the MH-60R alongside Carrier Air Wing ELEVEN onboard USS NIMITZ (CVN-68).
He then transferred to HSM-41 where he served as an instructor pilot and Quality Assurance Officer while simultaneously earning his master’s degree in business administration at the Naval Postgraduate School. In 2017, he served as Flag Aide for Carrier Strike Group ONE, temporarily serving at NAVCENT in Bahrain where he became a plank owner for the International Maritime Security Construct (IMSC), combatting malign actors in the CENTCOM area of operations.
Following his tours in San Diego, CDR Mazzella attended the Naval War College in Newport, RI where he earned a master’s degree in National Security and Strategic Studies, extending his stay as a fellow for the wargaming Halsey ALPHA Advanced Research Program (ARP).
Commander Mazzella served his Department Head tour at HSM-74 in Jacksonville, FL. He deployed as the Operations Officer onboard USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN-69) in support of Operation PROSPERITY GUARDIAN, countering malign Houthi activity while flying more than 270 combat flight hours.
CDR Mazzella reported to Naval Support Activity Lakehurst in May 2025 and currently serves as the Executive Officer.
His personal awards include the Air Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, and various unit and campaign decorations.
Last Updated: 2 December 2025