During his distinguished 22 year naval career, Commander Billings was a combat decorated pilot and has qualified in more than 20 different aircraft. He rose from the enlisted ranks to command the ...view moreDuring his distinguished 22 year naval career, Commander Billings was a combat decorated pilot and has qualified in more than 20 different aircraft. He rose from the enlisted ranks to command the Navy’s oldest combat search and rescue squadron, Helicopter Combat Support Squadron One (HC-1). He completed four tours in support of the Vietnam War, and served as Air Boss onboard the USS Belleau Wood (LHA-3) and was a member of the Navy’s only helicopter attack squadron, Helicopter Light Attack squadron Three (HA(L)-3). The Seawolves were the Navy’s most decorated squadron of the Vietnam era. Commander Billings was awarded more the 40 medals and citations for his service to his country, including the Silver Star, for an unprecedented rescue of two seriously wounded sailors under hostile fire. He was also awarded the distinguished Flying Cross for launching single ship into a moonless night against squadron policy to save a SEAL Team that was pinned down with three wounded.
Commander Billings holds a master’s degree from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, and undergraduate degree from the University of West Florida. As a computer systems engineer/program manager he has invented, designed, and built ground support hardware and software for combat aircraft that were used in Desert Storm.
Commander Billings served as the Director of Information Technology for the South Carolina Department of Public Safety. During his service to the state, he initiated and implemented the largest successful systems integration project ever completed, “Project Phoenix”. Making the South Carolina DMV one of the most modern in the Nation.
As an author he received a five star review for his memoirs “Seawolf 28”. His second book “SHEEPDOGS” soon to be released is a thriller developed from over two years of research on gang and terrorist activities along our Southern borders.view less