Captain Cashman is a 1986 graduate of the University of Maine with a Bachelors’ Degree in Business Administration. He was in the first class of midshipmen at UMaine to receive a Navy ROTC commission. He holds two Masters’ Degrees: one in National Security Affairs (Special Operations/Low Intensity Conflict) from the Naval Postgraduate School; and one in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College.

He earned his “Wings of Gold” at Whiting Field in Milton, Fl and was designated a Naval Aviator in July 1987. Following initial pilot training in the RH-53D helicopter, Captain Cashman reported to the Vanguard of Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron FOURTEEN (HM-14) in January of 1988. During this tour, he deployed to Abu Dhabi, UAE and subsequently deployed onboard USS TRIPOLI (LPH-10) in support of Operations DESERT SHIELD and DESERT STORM.

Captain Cashman’s shore tours include serving as a MH-53E Instructor Pilot at HM-12; Flag Lieutenant for Commander, Training Command, U.S. Atlantic Fleet; Operations Officer for Commander, Helicopter Tactical Wing Atlantic; Air Combat Placement Officer at the Navy Personnel Command, Special Assistant to the USEUCOM Deputy Commander and Chief of the Current Actions Branch (J3) with U.S. European Command, Stuttgart, Germany.

Captain Cashman’s operational flying tours include two tours at HM-14 and one with HM-15. During his Department Head tour at HM-14, he served as the Aircraft Maintenance Officer and deployed onboard USS INCHON (LPH-9) for a multi-national NATO exercise off the coast of Halifax. He was subsequently selected as Officer-in-Charge and established the first-ever forward-deployed AMCM/VOD detachment in Manama, Bahrain. In February 2003, Captain Cashman reported as Executive Officer (HM-14) and immediately deployed to Operation IRAQI FREEDOM (OIF) where he flew numerous combat missions in support of coalition MCM, Special Forces, and EOD operations in the southern seaport of Umm Qasr, Iraq.

In February 2004, Captain Cashman took command of HM-14 and deployed onboard USS DUBUQUE (LPD-8) for a multi-national exercise (RIMPAC) off the coast of Hawaii. In March 2005, immediately following his tour as Commanding Officer of HM-14, he was selected by Commander, Naval Air Forces to take command of the Black Stallions of HC-4 in Sigonella, Italy and prepare the squadron for an upcoming operational deployment in support of OIF.

Captain Cashman has accumulated over 2,500 flight hours in various aircraft to include the T-34C, TH-57, UH-1N, RH-53D, CH-53E, and the MH-53E. Additionally, he has achieved over 350 hours of mine countermeasures tow time. His personal awards include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Navy Commendation Medal (5 awards, 1 with Combat Distinguishing Device), Navy Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, and various other campaign awards and unit commendations.

Captain Cashman’s most recently served as Commander, Helicopter Sea Combat Wing Atlantic, the largest and most diverse Aviation Wing in the United States Navy comprised of over 5000 sailors, 140 helicopters and 15 helicopter squadrons and support units.

In March 2012, Captain Cashman assumed responsibilities as the 29th Professor of Naval Science and Commanding Officer of the Naval ROTC Unit at the University of Virginia.