Shane Osborn

Shane Osborn (born June 21, 1974) is an American politician and naval aviator who served as the 42nd Nebraska State Treasurer from 2007 to 2011. He is a member of the Republican Party. He was the U.S. pilot during the Hainan Island incident.

Military career

Osborn graduated from Norfolk High School in 1992 and then attended the University of Nebraska–Lincoln on a Naval ROTC scholarship. After graduating in 1996 with a degree in statistics and actuarial science, Osborn was commissioned as an ensign in the United States Navy and entered flight training in Florida and Texas. Subsequently designated as a naval aviator, he was eventually assigned to the Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron One (VQ-1) "World Watchers" at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington, flying the EP-3E Aries aircraft.

In 2005, Osborn left the Regular Navy as a Lieutenant Commander after nine years of active duty and entered the Navy Reserve.

Distinguished Flying Cross citation

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Shane J. Osborn, United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as EP-3 Electronic Warfare Aircraft Commander/Mission Commander, Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron ONE during sensitive surveillance operations on 1 April 2001. During a mission in direct support of U.S. National Security interests, following an in-flight collision with a People's Republic of China fighter aircraft. Lieutenant Osborn displayed superb airmanship and courage. Despite extreme damage to the aircraft, including loss of an engine, nose radio, all airspeed and altitude information, and structural damage to forward portions of the fuselage and control surfaces, he heroically regained control, directed appropriate emergency procedures, and coordinated the crew's efforts to safely land the aircraft. Lieutenant Osborn's dedicated efforts ultimately ensured the survival of twenty-four crew members and preserved a vital operational asset. By his superb airmanship, proven ability to perform under pressure, and steadfast devotion to duty, Lieutenant Osborn reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Political career

State treasurer In 2006, Osborn won the Republican nomination for the office of Nebraska State Treasurer by defeating Republican incumbent Ron Ross, who had been appointed to the position on January 6, 2004 by Governor Mike Johanns. In the primary election, Osborn received 148,355 votes to Ross's 85,541, for a 63.4%–36.6% victory. In the general election, Osborn obtained 410,459 votes to Nebraska Party candidate John H. Gaithings's 127,586 votes, winning 76.3%–23.7%.

In 2007, the Aspen Institute selected Osborn to be a part of their Aspen-Rodell Fellows Program in Public Leadership and was also elected vice president of the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators. He is also a shareholder with the SilverStone Group, a financial services firm in Omaha, Nebraska.

During his tenure in office, Osborn reduced the state treasurer's budget by 12.8 percent.

In September 2009, Osborn announced he would not seek re-election for Nebraska State Treasurer.

2014 U.S. Senate campaign

On June 2, 2013, Osborn announced that he would seek election to the U.S. Senate from Nebraska, after incumbent Senator Mike Johanns announced that he would retire after one term. Osborn lost the May 13, 2014, primary to Ben Sasse.