Executive Officer
Cmdr. Andrew K. Howerton
Cmdr. Andrew K. Howerton, a native of Grand Junction, Colorado, graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 2007 with a Bachelor of Science in Management. He completed flight training in Milton, Florida, and was awarded his “wings of gold” in February of 2009.
He served in a variety of operational assignments including two assignments at Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 70, a temporary assignment at HSM-74 to support an out of area deployment and most recently at HSM-48 where he served as detachment officer in charge and squadron maintenance officer from December 2017 until July 2020. 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 Philippine Sea (CG 58), USS Normandy (CG 60), USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77), and USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109). 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.
Howerton’s shore assignments include serving as the electronic warfare and surface warfare program manager at HSM Weapons School Atlantic where he was recognized as Instructor Pilot of the Year in 2015 and Officer of the Year in 2016. From July 2020 to July 2022 he served as deputy branch chief, J-35 Operations Plans Division, U.S. Central Command.
Howerton has participated in operations around the world since 2010 and has accumulated more than 2,600 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), Meritorious Unit Commendation, Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal (three awards), and various unit, campaign, and service awards.