Roy M. Zaletski
Commander, U.S. Navy
Commanding Officer, HSC-21

CDR Roy Zaletski is a 1997 graduate of the United States Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Ocean Engineering. Upon completion of flight training in Pensacola, FL, he was designated a Naval Aviator in March of 1999.

After his initial training at HC-3, San Diego, California in the H-46D Sea Knight, he reported to HC-6 in Norfolk, Virginia in December of 1999. During his first operational tour, he deployed onboard USS SUPPLY (AOE 6) and USS BATAAN (LHD 5), the latter supporting Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. CDR Zaletski achieved over 1,100 mishap-free flight hours in the venerable H-46D during his tour.

For his second sea tour, CDR Zaletski reported as Pre-Commissioning Fuels Officer/Mini-Boss to PCU NEW ORLEANS (LPD-18) in Avondale, Louisiana in August of 2005. Due to construction delays caused by Hurricane Katrina, CDR Zaletski was temporarily assigned to USS OGDEN (LPD-5), where he deployed to the Arabian Gulf, qualified as Officer of the Deck (Underway), and served as Air Boss. Upon his return, CDR Zaletski served as Commissioning Coordinator for NEW ORLEANS and Air Boss, in preparation for the ship’s initial Aviation Readiness Qualification (ARQ) and Aviation Facility Certification (AVCERT).

In September of 2008, CDR Zaletski reported for his Department Head tour at HSC-22 in Norfolk, Virginia. While at HSC-22, he deployed as Officer-in-Charge of Detachment TWO embarked on USS FREEDOM (LCS-1) in support of the CNO’s proof-of-concept deployment. As OIC of the first Expeditionary MH-60S Armed Helicopter detachment, his was the first HSC Det to be Hellfire qualified and also first to be certified in Airborne Use of Force (AUF). While deployed, Detachment TWO successfully executed four narcotics interdictions in conjunction with FREEDOM and the US Coast Guard, resulting in the seizure of over five-tons of narcotics valued at more than 100 million dollars. His squadron assignments also included serving as Training Officer and Operations Officer.

His assignments ashore include tours with the Secretary of the Navy’s Office of Legislative Affairs, House Liaison Office, Washington, DC (2003-2005); HSC-3, San Diego, California (2007-2008); and the Joint Staff J7, Suffolk, Virginia (2011-2014). He has completed the Naval War College Non-Resident Program, earning a Master’s in National Security and Strategic Studies, Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) Phases I and II, and is a Level-III Joint Qualified Officer.

CDR Zaletski completed MH-60S refresher training at HSC-2, Norfolk, Virginia, and reported for duty as Executive Officer to the Blackjacks of HSC-21, San Diego, California in February of 2015.

His personal decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four awards) and other personal, campaign, and service ribbons.