SANTA PAULA : Farmer Named to Lead Naval Reserve Helicopter Squadron

A Santa Paula citrus farmer and cattle rancher has been named to head a Navy reserve squadron that rescued downed pilots in enemy territory during the Persian Gulf War.

Cmdr. Dan Pinkerton, 44, assumed the post of commanding officer of the Helicopter Combat Support Special Squadron 5, a 250-member reserve unit based at Point Mugu Naval Air Station.

Known as the Firehawks, the squadron was deployed to Saudi Arabia last year during Operation Desert Storm, rescuing pilots and crew members caught behind enemy lines.

“It’s something a lot of folks don’t really realize is going on here,” Pinkerton said of his squadron.

“It’s a special acknowledgment and an honor.”

As commander, Pinkerton oversees 250 people, including 95 full-time, active-duty officers who maintain the helicopters and manage flight operations.

He replaces outgoing Cmdr. Robert Fisher Jr. of Camarillo, who is scheduled to go to the International College of the Armed Forces in Washington in July, Pinkerton said.

Pinkerton, a commissioned officer with the Army and Navy since 1969, has been a naval reserve officer since 1978.

During the Vietnam War, Pinkerton was attached to the 498th Medical Company and the 571st Medical Detachment, flying medical evacuation missions from Danang to the demilitarized zone.

Pinkerton’s family has farmed in Ventura County for more than a century.

He is also a director of the United Water Conservation District, and he owns a citrus and avocado farm and a cattle ranch in Santa Paula.

His wife, Susan, is a product manager at Patagonia Inc. in Ventura.

He has two children.

“My Navy reserve duty is certainly an important part now, but farming is my primary emphasis,” he said.