Biography

Col Daniel W. Caroffino, a native of Midland, MI is a 2002 graduate of the United States Naval Academy where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering.  He graduated with honors from The Basic School in Quantico, VA and then completed flight training in Pensacola, Florida, where he was winged a Naval Aviator in March of 2005.
 
Col Caroffino began his operational aviation career flying the AH-1W with the "Vipers" of Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 169 (HMLA-169) where he deployed twice in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM and once in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.  During this tour, Col Caroffino graduated from the Weapons and Tactics Instructor course.
 
In August of 2010 he reported to Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Nine (VX-9) at China Lake, CA where he served as an Operational Test Director and the Light Attack Branch Head. While stationed at VX-9, he participated in the test and evaluation of the AH-1Z, APKWS laser guided rocket, and numerous other H-1 software and survivability upgrade programs.
 
In June of 2013, Col Caroffino was selected to be an AH-1Z instructor at Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1).  Col Caroffino served as the Assistant Operations Officer as well as the Assault Support Department Head during his tour.
 
In July of 2016, Col Caroffino returned to the fleet as the Aviation Maintenance Officer and XO for HMLA-169.  During this tour, the squadron deployed to Okinawa, Japan for the Unit Deployment Program and won the John P. Giguere award for HMLA of the year for 2018. 
 
Col Caroffino then served as the I MEF Current Operations Officer (G-33) from March of 2019 until July of 2020.  

In August 2020, Col Caroffino reported to NAS Whiting Field, FL for duties as the XO and then CO of HT-18, ultimately taking command of HT-18 in June of 2022.  As the CO of HT-18, Col Caroffino was responsible for the training of over 200 rotary wing pilots.

Col Caroffino attended the Eisenhower School at National Defense University, graduating in May of 2024 with a master’s degree in National Security and Resource Strategy with a concentration in Weapons of Mass Destruction.

Col Caroffino reported to 1^st Marine Aircraft Wing in August of 2024, serving as the Assistant Chief of Staff (AC/S) G-5 until April of 2026.
 
Col Caroffino’s personal awards include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal (2nd award), Individual Action Air Medal with Combat “V”, Air Medal (Strike/Flight, 12th Award), Navy Commendation Medal (3rd award), and various campaign and unit awards. He holds 3,600 mishap-free flight hours, including over 900 NVG and 700 combat hours.