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Captain Zachariah D. Aperauch

Captain Aperauch is a native of Tallahassee, Fl and graduated from Old Dominion University in 1999. Upon completion of Officer Candidate School, he received his commission in May 2000. Following flight training and designation as a Naval Aviator in December 2001, he received initial training in the MH-53E at Airborne Mine Countermeasures Weapon Systems Training School (AWSTS), Norfolk, Va.

His first operational tour was with the “VANGUARD” of HM-14 in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM (OIF). In 2004, he deployed with the “BLACKHAWKS” of HM-15 to the 5th fleet AOR, taking part in Tsunami relief efforts in the Banda Ache region of Indonesia, following a devastating earthquake and tsunami.

From March 2008 to February 2010, CAPT Aperauch served as the Air Boss aboard USS SAN ANTONIO (LPD 17), during the ship’s maiden deployment. In June 2010 CAPT Aperauch returned to HM-14 for his Department Head tour. He deployed to the 7th fleet AOR as the Officer in Charge of HM-14 Det ONE, where his detachment served a critical role in Operation TOMODACHI, leading relief efforts in the Sendai region of Japan.

In October 2015 he reported to the “Doerbirds” of Training Squadron TWO (VT-2), as the Executive Officer. He assumed command in March 2017, leading the squadron to the 2017 Chief of Naval Operations Aviation Safety Award and the 2017 Commander Theodore G. Ellyson Aviator Production Excellence Award. Following command, CAPT Aperauch checked aboard USS WASP (LHD 1) in Sasebo, Japan where he served as the Air Boss. He led Air Department through four deployments, including the first operational deployments of the F-35B in the 7th Fleet AOR, TALISMAN SABRE 19, and a homeport change to Norfolk, Va.

CAPT Aperauch’s shore assignments include duty at AWSTS as a Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) Instructor in the MH-53E. Additionally, he served on the Joint Staff, J7 Directorate, as a member of the Deployable Training Division, and on the staff of U.S. European Command as the Chief of the Future Capabilities Division in the J8 Directorate. He is a graduate of the Naval War College and the Joint Forces Staff College. He is a Joint Qualified Officer. His personal awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (five awards), the Joint Service Achievement Medal, and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two awards), as well as various unit and campaign awards.

Last Updated: 10 July 2023

 

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