Upon commissioning, he reported to NAS Pensacola, FL to begin flight school. After receiving training in VT-28 at NAS Corpus Christi and HT-8 at NAS Whiting Field, he earned his wings in April 2007. He then reported to the "Airwolves" of HSL-40 for initial fleet replacement training in the SH-60B Seahawk.
His first sea assignment was with the "Proud Warriors" of HSL-42 from 2007 to 2011. Here, he completed various junior officer roles in the safety, maintenance, and operations departments earning his Landing Signals Officer, Aviation Safety Officer, and Helicopter Aircraft Commander Designations. During this time, he completed three detachments on the USS ROOSEVELT, USS NITZE, and USS SAMUEL B. ROBERTS in support of Counter-Piracy Operations and supporting European Allies with JOINT WARRIOR 10-2 and 11-1.
From 2011 to 2013, he served as a Flag Aide to Naval Service Training Command at NS Great Lakes.
In 2013, he completed the transition to the MH-60R variant Seahawk and reported to the “Magicians” of HSM-35 at NAS North Island as a Super JO. While there he held Detachment Operations and Maintenance Officer, NATOPS Officer, and the Safety Department Head. He deployed to the 7th Fleet AOR on USS SAMPSON.
After his selection for Aviation Department Head, he reported to the “Battlecats” of HSM-73 at NAS North Island in 2016. While there, he served as the Administrative Department Head, Detachment Officer-in-Charge, and Operations Officer. During this time, he completed a 5th and 7th Fleet AOR deployment on USS SAMPSON.
He completed his Joint tour at NATO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium from 2019 to 2022 where he was assigned to the Spectrum and C3 Infrastructure Branch of the International Military Staff to NATO. After completion he reported to Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington D.C. in June 2022 as Executive Officer of the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard.
CDR Warford has accumulated over 3,000 flight hours and hundreds of Free Deck landings. His personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Strike Flight Air Medal (2), Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal and various personal, campaign, and unit awards.
Last Updated: 9 February 2024