Cmdr. Harlan "Hojo" Johnson was raised in Milwaukie, OR. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in June 1991, completed boot camp at Recruit Training Command San Diego, Aircrew School at Naval Air Station Pensacola, FL, Aviation Electrician's Mate "A" School at Naval Air Technical Training Center in Millington, TN, and the Flight Engineer Apprentice Program with Patrol Squadron (VP) 31 at NAS Moffett Field, CA.
He reported to the "Golden Swordsmen" of VP-47 and qualified as the Unit NATOPS instructor flight engineer in the P-3C Orion and deployed in support of Operation Southern Watch.
Johnson's path to commission was through the Enlisted Education Advancement Program and the Aviation Enlisted Commissioning Program. He commissioned in December 2001 through the University of Arizona ROTC program where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering.
Upon completion of flight training with the "Boomers" of Training Squadron (VT) 27 at NAS Corpus Christi, Texas, and with the 32nd Flying Training Squadron at Vance Air Force Base (AFB), OK, he was designated a naval aviator in September 2003.
Following training at Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron (VQ) 7, Johnson reported to the "Shadows" of VQ-4 at Tinker AFB, OK, in 2004. He qualified as an E-6B aircraft commander, E-6B assistant NATOPS instructor pilot, and mission commander evaluator.
In March 2007, Johnson reported to the "Tigers" of VT-9 at NAS Meridian, MS, as an Intermediate and Advanced flight instructor in the T-45 Goshawk. He was responsible for training and mentoring several hundred future Navy, Marine Corps, and foreign military aviators, as well as serving as the squadron aviation safety officer. He was recognized as the VT-9 Instructor of the Year in 2008.
Johnson reported to U.S. 7th Fleet, Yokosuka, Japan, in September 2010, where he served as a staff officer in Plans and Policy (N5) and Operations (N35) aboard the USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) where he supported Operation Tomodachi relief efforts in response to the devastating earthquake and tsunami that struck Northern Japan in March 2011.
Johnson reported to the "Ironmen" of VQ-3 for his department head tour in February 2013 serving as safety officer, administration officer, and maintenance officer, and qualifying as E-6B assistant NATOPS instructor pilot and mission commander evaluator.
Following his department head tour, in March 2016 Johnson reported to Naval Air Facility Misawa, Japan, where he served as the air operations officer providing aviation and ground logistical support and services to all permanent and transient USN and USMC forces in northern Japan. He qualified as a C-12F NATOPS instructor pilot and provided Navy Air Logistics Office (NALO) and Operations Support Assignment (OSA) lift support through Fleet Air Western Pacific in support of U.S. 7th Fleet Air Logistics Support.
Johnson served as the chief staff officer for Training Air Wing 1 from March 2019 to March 2022 at Naval Air Station Meridian providing intermediate and advanced jet training for Navy, Marine Corps, and international student aviators in the T-45C Goshawk.
Johnson reported as the Executive Officer for NAF Misawa in June 2022.
Johnson has amassed over 4,500 flight hours in the T-34, T-1, B737, E-6B, T-45, FA-18, and C-12 aircraft. His personal decorations include the Navy Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Navy Commendation Medal (three awards), Navy Achievement Medal, and other service and unit awards.
Last Updated: 5 February 2025