Major Herlihy enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserves in 2002 and was assigned to Headquarters and Service Company, 4th Assault Amphibian Battalion in Tampa, FL as an AAV Crewman. While in the Marine Corps Reserves, Major Herlihy deployed to Iraq in 2003, 2005, and 2008 in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Additionally, he participated in UNITAS 45-04 in Peru and in TALISMAN SABRE 2007 in Australia.
Major Herlihy commissioned in August 2009. His first assignment was to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 463 (HMH-463) in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii flying the mighty CH-53E Super Stallion. He deployed to Australia with the first Aviation Combat Element attached to Marine Rotational Force – Darwin, to Okinawa as a Forward Air Controller assignment with 3d Battalion, 3d Marines, and to Kuwait and Iraq as the Civilian Casualties Assessment Officer for Operation INHERENT RESOLVE. From January 2019 to June 2021, he was stationed in Bahrain and served as the Deputy Air Officer for Task Force 51/5. While there, he participated in multiple crisis and contingency operations within the CENTCOM and AFRICOM AORs. Major Herlihy’s previous assignment was with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) as the MEU Air Officer. During his time at the 24th MEU, he was the lead planner for Fleet Week New York 2022 and deployed to Naples, Italy as the Task Force 61/2 Air Officer in 2023. During this deployment, he supported planning, training, and contingency operations with joint, allied, and partner nations throughout EUCOM.
Major Herlihy’s personal awards include the Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy Commendation Medal with gold star, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with gold star, and the Combat Action Ribbon. Major Herlihy has also won gold, silver, and bronze pistol and rifle badges and the Finn Team Match Badge in Marine Corps division shooting matches. He has been married to his wife Michelle since 2004 and they have two daughters, Nora and Aleena.