Biography

Michael “Buzz” Donnelly is Corporate Vice President of Customer Affairs at HII, America’s largest military shipbuilder and global all-domain defense technologies provider. Named to the position in January 2026, Donnelly is responsible for the corporation’s engagement with the executive branch and the fleet for the Newport News Shipbuilding portfolio.

Prior to joining HII, Donnelly served more than 36 years in the U.S. Navy, retiring in 2026 as Director of Air Warfare (OPNAV N98), where he was responsible for naval aviation requirements and budget programming.

During his naval service, Donnelly served as commanding officer of Strike Fighter Squadron ONE FIVE FOUR (VFA-154), USS Denver (LPD 9), and USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). He also served as commander of U.S. Naval Forces Korea and Carrier Strike Group FIVE.

Donnelly earned a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering degree from Villanova University and a Master of Arts in national security and strategic decision making from the U.S. Naval War College.