Commander Brian D. Koch was born in Naples, Italy. He graduated from Virginia Tech with a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering in 2002. He also holds a Master of Science in Engineering in Systems Engineering from Johns Hopkins University, graduating with honors in 2018.
Operationally, he served as Maintenance Officer of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron FOUR SIX (HSM-46) “Grandmasters” and deployed with USS Bulkeley (DDG 84) as detachment officer-in-charge flying the MH-60R in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. With Destroyer Squadron 28 (DESRON 28) he served as Air Operations Officer and Anti-Submarine Warfare Officer aboard USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69). At HSL-48 “Vipers” he deployed with USS Thomas S. Gates (CG 51), USS McInerney (FFG 8), and USS Samuel B. Roberts (FFG 58) to the USSOUTHCOM AOR and the North Atlantic in support of Counter-Narco Terrorism, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief, UNITAS, PANAMAX, and Joint Warrior.
Ashore, CDR Koch recently served as Installation Executive Officer at Naval Support Activity South Potomac, overseeing Naval Support Facility Dahlgren, VA and Naval Support Facility Indian Head, MD. For United States Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) he served as Nuclear Strike Advisor with the Airborne Command Post, accumulating over 400 flight hours in the E-6B Mercury in support of Nuclear Command and Control with the “Looking Glass” mission. He served as the Director of Safety and Standardization at the developmental flight test and evaluation squadron HX-21 “Blackjacks”, being awarded the Secretary of the Navy’s Safety Excellence Award for 2016. He also served as a Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) Instructor Pilot for the SH-60B at HSL-40 “Airwolves” in Mayport, FL. Currently, he serves as Executive Officer for Naval Support Activity Naples, Italy, where he reported in April 2024.
CDR Koch has more than 2500 flight hours in the MH-60R, MH-60S, SH-60B, MV-22B, AH-1Z, CH-53E, TH-57B/C, T-34C, and T-44C. Personal decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, and various other unit awards.
Last Updated: 23 May 2024