Vice Adm. Steve Koehler grew up in a Navy Family and is a 1986 graduate of the University of Colorado at Boulder with a Bachelor of Science in Physics, where he was commissioned through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC). He was designated a naval aviator in March 1989. He holds a master’s degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College and is a graduate of the Joint Staff College and the Navy Nuclear Power Program.
At sea, he served with Fighter Squadron (VF) 211, VF-41; he was executive officer aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), and commanded Fighter Squadron (VFA) 143; USS Bataan (LHD 5); USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69); and as a flag officer, Carrier Strike Group Nine. During these operational tours he supported Operations Desert Storm, Southern Watch, Iraqi Freedom, Inherent Resolve and Freedom’s Sentinel in support of contingency operations in the Middle East, Operation Deliberate Guard in support of stabilization efforts in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Operation Unified Protector in support of contingency operations Libya, Operation Unified Response providing emergency disaster relief to Haiti, and peer competition operations in the East and South China Seas.
Ashore, Koehler has served multiple tours as an instructor pilot with VF-101, placement officer at the Bureau of Naval Personnel, and chief of staff to Commander, Joint Task Force Horn of Africa in Djibouti. As a flag officer, he served ashore as Director of Fleet Training at U.S. Fleet Forces Command; Director for Operations (J3), U.S. Indo-Pacific Command; Deputy Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet; and Commander, U.S. Third Fleet.
Koehler has logged over 3,900 hours in the F-14 Tomcat and the F-18 E/F Super Hornet, and 600 arrested landings. His personal decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Strike/Flight Air Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.
Last Updated: 27 July 2022