HT-8 Leadership

Executive Officer

A native of Virginia Beach, Virginia, CDR Kohl graduated from Jacksonville University earning his commission through NROTC and with a Bachelors of Business Administration in Management. CDR Kohl reported to NAS Pensacola, FL for flight training in October 2009. He earned his Wings of Gold in August of 2011 and reported to HSM-40 for initial fleet training as a SH-60B Pilot in September 2011.

CDR Kohl began his first operation tour in August 2012 with the "Scorpions" of HSL-49. While a "Scorpion", he deployed twice aboard USS GRIDLEY (DDG 101) and USS VANDEGRIFT (FFG-48) in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, SEVENTH Fleet operations and Counter Transnational Organized Crime Operations. During this tour CDR Kohl served as Line Division Officer and Detachment Maintenance Officer.

CDR Kohl reported to the "Seahawks" of HSM-41 where he transitioned to the MH-60R and qualified as a fleet replacement pilot flight instructor in 2015. There he served as the SAR Officer, Student Control Officer, and Standardization and Instructor Under Training Officer.

CDR Kohl returned to the fleet as the Air Operation Officer attached to Destroyer Squadron 23 embarked and deployed aboard USS THEORDORE ROOSEVELT Carrier Strike Group in support of FIFTH and SEVENTH Fleet operations.

CDR Kohl then reported to the forward deployed "Warlords" of HSM-51 for his Operational Department Head Tour. While at HSM-51, CDR Kohl deployed as the Det ONE Officer in Charge onboard USS RAFAEL PERALTA (DDG-115) to the SEVENTH Fleet Area of Responsibility. Following the deployment, he went on to serve as the Safety Officer, Operations Officer and Maintenance Officer. Here he was recognized as the 2022 HSM-51 and HSM Wing Pacific Officer of the year.

After his department head tour, CDR Kohl reported to the Joint Staff in 2023. There, he served as the Secretary of Defense Orders Book Writer, Deputy Directorate for Region Operations (J-35) providing the best military advice on Global Force Management to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs and Staff, Office of Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Defense.

CDR Kohl completed JPME I through the U.S. Air Force Command and Staff College and earned his Masters of Global Business Leadership from University of San Diego.

CDR Kohl has accumulated over 2,200 flight hours in naval aircraft. His awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal (1), Joint Service Commendation Medal (1) Navy Commendation Medal (3), Joint Service Achievement Medal (1), and Navy Achievement Medal (2) as well as various unit awards and ribbons.

CDR Kohl currently serves as the Executive Officer for the "Eightballers" of HT-8 at NAS Whiting Field, Florida.