Executive Officer
Cmdr. Andrew Countiss

Cmdr. Andrew “Bull” Countiss, a native of Severna Park, Maryland, graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2006 with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science and minor in German.  He reported to Pensacola for initial flight training and was designated a Naval Aviator in May 2008.  Upon completion of flight school, he received orders to the Airborne Mine Countermeasures Weapon Systems Training School (AWSTS) for training in the MH-53E Sea Dragon.

Countiss reported to Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron Fifteen (HM-15) in 2009 and made several deployments to U.S. 5th FLEET  as part of HM-15 and embedded with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit in 2010 as part of a Humanitarian Aid mission in Ghazi, Pakistan.

Upon completion of his initial sea tour, he reported to AWSTS to serve as a Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) instructor pilot.  During this tour, he completed the Sea Dragon Weapons and Tactics instructor (SWTI) syllabus as well as his executive master’s degree in business administration through the Naval Postgraduate School.

Countiss completed a forward deployed naval forces disassociated sea tour with Mine Countermeasures Squadron seven (MCMRON7) in Sasebo, Japan from 2015 to 2017.  While at MCMRON7, he served as the airborne mine countermeasures (AMCM) plans officer and future operations officer.  In this capacity, he oversaw increased integration of AMCM assets in Commander, Navy Expeditionary Forces Command Pacific, 7th Fleet and planned numerous bilateral and multinational live force exercises with regional partner nations.

He then reported to his department head tour at HM-15 in 2017 and served as admin officer, office in charge, and maintenance officer.  

Following his department head tour, he was assigned to Navy Personnel Command in Millington, Tennessee.  Within Aviation Officer Assignments (PERS-43), he served as helicopter shore assignments officer and aviation sea/shore coordinator.  While attached to PERS-43, he completed Joint Professional Military Education Phase I through Air Command and Staff College and was selected for Operational Aviation Command.  He will assumed the duties of Executive Officer at HM-15 in February 2022.

Countiss’ personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (three awards), and the Navy Achievement Medal as well as various unit and campaign awards.