Captain Jose A. Arana is a native of San Juan, Puerto Rico, and a 1997 graduate of the University of Florida, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. He was commissioned via Officer Candidate School in December 1999 and earned his Naval Aviator wings in April 2001.
CAPT Arana received his initial fleet training with the Airwolves of HSL-40 and final training in the MH-60S with the Merlins of HC-3 in April 2002. His first assignment was with the “Chargers” of then HC-6, later designated HSC-26, where he was part of the maiden MH-60S deployment to the 6th Fleet AOR onboard USNS Mount Baker (T-AE 34) and later with Standing Naval Forces Atlantic onboard USS Saipan (LHA 2).
Following his first sea tour, he completed the Seahawk Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course and was a plank owner of Helicopter Sea Combat Weapons School Atlantic, serving as NATOPS Officer and WTI. During this assignment, he earned a Master of Business Administration from the Naval Postgraduate School and later served as the first HSC “Super JO” Tactics Officer at HSC-28.
From 2008 to 2010, CAPT Arana served as Assistant Air Officer (MINIBOSS) aboard USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), qualifying as Officer of the Deck, completing a deployment to the SOUTHCOM AOR. He subsequently completed an operational department head tour as Operations and Maintenance Officer at HSC-9, deploying aboard USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Following his department head tour, CAPT Arana served on the Joint Staff at the National Military Command Center (NMCC), Pentagon, where he supported global operations, crisis response, and strategic deterrence. He was directly involved in threat warning, execution messaging for OPLAN 8010, and advising senior military and civilian leadership, including service as a Global Strike Advisor to POTUS.
Selected for command in 2015, CAPT Arana attended the U.S. Army War College, earning a second Masters in Strategic Studies, before assuming command of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron TWELVE in Atsugi, Japan. As Commanding Officer of the “Golden Falcons,” he completed seven patrols in the 7th Fleet AOR leading the squadron to consecutive Secretary of Defense PHOENIX Awards for Maintenance Excellence, the Battle “E,” and multiple aviation excellence awards, while supporting high-visibility national missions including Presidential direct-action support.
CAPT Arana later served as the O-5 Helicopter Assignments Officer and Deputy Director of the Aviation Distribution Office at the Bureau of Navy Personnel. Selected for Aviation Major Command at Sea in FY-22, he served as Executive and Commanding Officer aboard USS Makin Island (LHD 8) in San Diego, California from April 2023 through January 2026 where he led the ship through a Select Restricted Availability and Basic Phase.
He has flown combat missions in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, and New Dawn. His personal decorations include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, two Meritorious Service Medals, four Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, and various campaign, unit, and individual awards.