Leavitt takes helm at HS-5

Leavitt was born in Milwaukee, Wis. and grew up in Atlanta. In May 1993, he graduated from the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps at Virginia Tech, with a Bachelor of Arts in political science.

Following a one-year temporary assignment as public affairs officer for NAS Atlanta, he was assigned to flight training. His naval aviator training took place in Pensacola, Fla. where he was designated a naval aviator in January 1996. He completed fleet replacement training in the SH-60F/HH-60H Seahawk helicopter at HS-10, NAS North Island, Calif.

Upon completion of this training, Leavitt was forward deployed with HS-14 on board USS Independence (CV 62), then USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63), both based in Yokosuka, Japan. During this time, he deployed frequently around the Western Pacific, and made two deployments to the Arabian Gulf.

Leavitt reported back to HS-10 in December 1999 as an instructor pilot, flying 1,000 hours of instructor time during his three-year assignment. In May 2002, he graduated from the Seahawk Weapons and Tactics Instructor course in Fallon, Nev.

In January 2003, Leavitt reported to Carrier Air Wing Two as the helicopter operations officer, deploying on board USS Constellation (CV 64) in support of the opening months of Operation Iraqi Freedom and later on board USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72).

In November 2004, he reported to HS-2 where he served as the administrative officer, maintenance officer, and as a squadron weapons and tactics instructor, deploying twice on board USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) to the Western Pacific where, among other things, he assisted in tsunami relief efforts in Sumatra.

In February 2007, he was assigned as a student in the College of Command and Staff at the Naval War College in Newport, R.I. where he earned a Master's Degree in National Security and Strategic studies. He reported as executive officer of HS-5 in September 2008. Leavitt has accumulated over 3,500 flight hours.

Cmdr. Wade McConvey

McConvey took command of HS-5 in September 2008. Since then, the squadron's operations tempo has been extraordinarily difficult, encompassing work-ups and an early 2009 deployment to 5th Fleet, followed by a hectic five-month sustainment period preparing the squadron for a second deployment in early 2010.

During this time, HS-5 completed more than 1,678 sorties and 4,200 hours of mishap-free flying under his command.

McConvey will continue his already distinguished career as the chief test pilot and ultimately the commanding officer of Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 21 (HX-21).

He also finishes his tour at HS-5 with the distinction of being one of the first two rotary wing pilots to be selected for the Acquisition Community Major Program Manager career path.