Commanding Officer
Cmdr. Andrew K. Howerton
Cmdr. Andrew K. Howerton, a native of Grand Junction, Colorado, graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 2007 with a degree in Business Management. He completed flight training in Milton, Florida, and was awarded his “Wings of Gold” in February of 2009.
Commander Howerton’s operational assignments including two assignments at Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 70 (HSM-70), HSM-74, and HSM-48 where he served as Detachment Officer in Charge and Squadron Maintenance Officer. During his tenure as Maintenance Officer HSM-48 was awarded the Golden Wrench for superior maintenance, the Battle Efficiency award, and he was personally awarded the Commander, Naval Air Forces Leadership Award.
His sea assignments include operational deployments aboard USS Phillipine Sea (CG 58), USS Normandy (CG 60), USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77), USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109), and USS George Washington (CVN 73) supporting Operations Enduring Freedom, Freedom’s Sentinel, and Inherent Resolve. He has served as detachment Operations Officer, Squadron NATOPS Officer, Squadron Weapons and Tactics Instructor, Squadron Training Officer, detachment Officer-in-Charge, and Squadron Maintenance Officer.
Commander Howerton’s shore assignments include serving as Helicopter Advanced Readiness Program (HARP) manager at HSM Weapons School Atlantic and as Deputy Branch Chief, J-35 Operations Plans Division, U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM).
As Executive Officer of the Grandmasters, Commander Howerton deployed on the USS George Washington (CVN 73) in support of Southern Seas 2024.
Howerton has participated in operations around the world since 2010 and has accumulated more than 2,800 flight hours. His decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Joint Meritorious Unit Commendation, Navy Commendation Medal (three awards), Joint Service Achievement Medal (two awards), Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal (three awards), and various unit, campaign, and service awards.