Deputy Commodore
Capt. David W. Ayotte Jr.
Capt. David W. Ayotte is a native of Greenbrae, California. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2001 with a degree in Systems Engineering and was designated a naval aviator in 2002.
After completing flight training, he reported to Helicopter Combat Support Squadron (HC) 6 in Norfolk, Virginia, flying the MH-60S Seahawk. Operational deployments included missions in support of combat operations in Iraq, Operation Enduring Freedom, aboard the USS Bataan (LHD 5) and USNS Mount Baker (T-AE 34).
Ayotte was subsequently assigned as an MH-60S flight instructor to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 3 in San Diego, California. During this assignment he earned an Executive Masters in Business Administration from Naval Post Graduate School.
Ayotte was then assigned to serve as executive assistant to Director of the Office for the Administrative Review of Detention of Enemy Combatants (OARDEC) in 2009.
Following this assignment, he reported to the USS Pelilu (LHA 4) and served as flight deck officer, aircraft handler, and mini boss. Deploying to the Arabian Gulf in 2010, he supported combat operations in Afghanistan and the Pakistan flood relief efforts.
After completing MH-60S refresher training in 2011, Ayotte reported to HSC-28 where he served as officer-in-charge (OIC) and department head. Operational deployments included Operation Jackal Stone and 6th Fleet forward deployed detachments in support of Special Operations Command Europe exercises and USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) operations. Ayotte served as squadron safety officer, administrative officer and maintenance officer, leading more than 200 Sailors and the maintenance of 10 MH-60S aircraft.
In 2014, he reported to PERS-43 as the HSC/HM placement officer. During his tour he managed the manning for over 30 squadrons. He successfully led his peers as the head recorder for the FY16 ADHSB. During his tour he was selected for operational command of HSC-21 in San Diego, California.
In 2017, he reported as executive officer to the “Blackjacks” of HSC-21 and deployed as the OIC of a four aircraft detachment in support of Special Operations Command Pacific in 7th Fleet. His detachment supported multiple exercises to include Operation Cobra Gold in Thailand. After command, Ayotte served as the military assistant to the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs. In 2022, Ayotte took command of HSC-3 (FRS) in San Diego, California.
Ayotte’s decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Navy Commendation Medal (five awards), the Joint Service Achievement Medal, the Navy Achievement medal (two awards) and various unit and campaign decorations. He has accumulated over 2,000 flight hours.
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