CAPT Charles Chmielak hails from Posen, IL. He was commissioned in 2001 from the United States Naval Academy and designated a Naval Aviator in 2003.
His operational assignments include flying the SH-60F/H with the world famous “Dragon Slayers” of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 11 (HS-11) and HS-10 Expeditionary Sea Combat Unit TWO. He flew the MH-60S with Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 8 (HSC-8) “Eightballers” and had the honor to serve as Commanding Officer of HSC-6. He deployed onboard the USS ENTERPRISE, USNS GYGST FRED W STOCKHAM, USS JOHN C. STENNIS, and the USS NIMITZ.
Ashore, he served as an Instructor Pilot at HS-10 in San Diego, CA and followed that tour as Aide to the Commander, Navy Region Hawaii / Commander, Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific (MIDPAC) at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. He was later assigned to US AFRICA COMMAND in Stuttgart, Germany serving as a Branch Chief in the J9 and then the J5 in support of the Multinational Cooperation Center. Afterward, he served at the Navy Personnel Command as the Officer Performance and Separations Branch Head in Millington, TN.
Chmielak assumed command of U.S. Naval Activities Spain and U.S. Naval Station Rota, Spain on June 12, 2025.
He has accumulated over 3000 flight hours in various aircraft. He holds a Bachelor of Science in History, a Masters in Aeronautical Science Degree from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University and a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from the United States Naval War College. His personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, and several personal, campaign, and unit awards.
Last Updated: 12 June 2025