CDR Andrew Behlke, a native of Watertown, WI, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Maritime Operations and Technology and received his commission from the United States Merchant Marine Academy in June 2001. He was designated a Naval Aviator from Training Squadron THIRTY ONE in May 2003.
After Fleet Replacement Squadron training, he was assigned to the Red Lancers of Partol Squadron TEN in Brunswick, ME in 2004, where he served as the Sponsor/Indoc/MWR Coordinator, Power Plants Branch Officer, Schedules Officer, and Training Plans Officer, Mission Commander, and Instructor Pilot, and deployed to Sigonella, Bahrain, and El Salvador.
CDR Behlke transferred to Special Projects Patrol Squadron ONE in March 2007, where he served as Aircraft Division Officer.
USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN welcomed CDR Behlke to Everett, WA in 2009. He served as Catapult and Arresting Gear Officer, Hangar Bay Division Officer, and the Flight Deck Division Officer. He also qualified as Officer of the Deck Underway.
CDR Behlke attended the Air Force Air Command and Staff College at Maxwell AFB, where he was awarded a Master’s of Military Operational Art and Science.
After P-3C refresher training at VP-30 in June 2012, CDR Behlke joined Patrol Squadron FIVE on deployment in Kadena, Japan. During his tour with the Mad Foxes, he served as CTG Ops, Training Officer, Safey/NATOPS Officer, Tactics Officer, and Command Services Office, and transitioned to the P-8A Poseidon.
In March 2015, CDR Behlke transferred to the National Reconnaissance Office in Chantilly, VA, as the Navy Service Team Representative, where he coordinated and conducted NRO outreach to deploying Naval units and leadership in the Naval Intelligence Community. He also served as the Chief of Staff of the Mission Integration Directorate User Engagement Office.
CDR Behlke returned to sea duty where he served as the Combat Direction Center Officer aboard the USS NIMITZ. He lead 70 Sailors charged with defending the ship using the Ship’s Self Defense System.
CDR Behlke currently serves as the Executive Officer and Associate Professor of Naval Science, Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps, University of Minnesota. He has accumulated over 2000 flight hours to include over 100 combat missions. His personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal (2nd Strike/Flight award), Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal (2 awards), Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2 awards), and various unit, campaign, and service awards. He resides in Minnesota with his wife and their three children.
