Major Daniel M. Kearney was born on 24 September 1989 in Hackensack, NJ, and was raised in Riverdale, NJ. After completing high school at Pompton Lakes High School in 2007, he attended Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, receiving a bachelor's degree in Aeronautical Science. He also completed a professional pilot flight training syllabus at Embry Riddle where he received his private pilot, instrument pilot, commercial pilot, multi engine commercial pilot, and flight instructor ratings. Maj Daniel M. Kearney graduated from Embry Riddle in December 2011.
Maj Daniel M. Kearney attended Officer Candidate School in September 2015, and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps on 25 November 2015. Following Officer Candidate School he attended The Basic School, graduating in November 2016.
Following The Basic School, Maj Daniel M. Kearney was assigned as a student Naval Aviator and received orders to attend Aviation Pre-flight Indoctrination (API) in Pensacola, FL in January 2017. After completion of API, he began primary flight training at VT-6 in Milton, FL. Upon completion of primary flight training, Maj Daniel M. Kearney was selected to attend rotary wing advanced flight training. Maj Daniel M. Kearney completed rotary training with HT-8, and upon completion was selected to fly the CH-53E out of MCAS New River, NC. He conducted flight training on the CH-53E from January 2019 until July 2019, checking in to the HMH-464 “Condors” after completion.
While at HMH-464, Maj Daniel M. Kearney served the Assistant Current Operations Officer (ACOPSO), Current Operations Officer (COPSO), Flight Line Officer in Charge, Future Operations Officer (FOPSO), and Quality Assurance Officer (QAO). Maj Daniel M. Kearney's qualifications and designations are a Helicopter Aircraft Commander, Basic Instructor Pilot, Functional Check Pilot, Section Leader, Terrain Flight Instructor, Night Systems Instructor, Division Leader, and Functional Check Pilot Instructor.
After completing his fleet tour at HMH-464, Maj Daniel M. Kearney received orders to attend the Expeditionary Warfare School (EWS) at the Marine Corps University in Quantico, VA from 31 July 2023 until graduating on 9 May 2024. Following EWS, Maj Kearney received orders to HMHT-302 as a Fleet Replacement Squadron Instructor (FRSI). Maj Kearney served as the Assistant Aircraft Maintenance Officer before taking over as the Aircraft Maintenance Officer. During his time at HMHT-302, Maj Kearney was selected to convert to the CH-53K, serving as a CH-53K FRSI. In 2026, Maj Kearney was the recipient of the Marion E. Carl Award, recognized by the Marine Corps Aviation Association as the Fleet Replacement Squadron Instructor Pilot of the Year.
Maj Daniel M. Kearney's personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal.