HT-8 Leadership

Executive Officer

A native of Baxley, Georgia, Commander Burkett graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2008, earning his commission and a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering. CDR Burkett reported to NAS Pensacola, FL for flight training in June 2008. He earned his Wings of Gold in January 2010 and reported to the HSC-3 "Merlins" for initial fleet training as an MH-60S Pilot in February 2010.

CDR Burkett began his first operational tour in September 2010 with the "Blackjacks" of HSC-21. While a "Blackjack", he deployed aboard USNS Wally Schirra (T-AKE 8) and to the 2515th Naval Air Ambulance Detachment (2515th NAAD) on Camp Buehring, Kuwait, participating in operations ENDURING FREEDOM and NEW DAWN. During this tour CDR Burkett served as Legal Officer, Future Operations Officer, and the Line Division Officer.

CDR Burkett reported to the "Hellions" of HT-28 as an advanced helicopter flight instructor in 2013. There, he served as the Navy Student Control Officer, Flight Leader, and Contact / BRAVO Stage Manager.

CDR Burkett returned to the fleet as the V-1 Division Officer and Assistant Air Officer (MINI BOSS) onboard USS Essex (LHD 2) where he helped lead the Air Department through the transition and workups for the Navy's first west coast F-35B deployment.

CDR Burkett completed MH-60S refresher training while serving as the STUCON Department Head at HSC-3. He then reported to the "Wildcards" of HSC-23 for his Operational Department Head tour. While at HSC-23, CDR Burkett deployed as the Det FOUR and Det SEVEN Officer in Charge onboard USS Montgomery (LCS 8) to Southeast Asia. Following these deployments, he went on to serve as squadron Training Officer and Operations Officer.

After his department head tour, CDR Burkett reported to the Joint Staff in 2021. There, he served as the Southeast Asia Branch Chief, covering all 11 countries in Southeast Asia and providing policy guidance to the Chairman and other senior military leaders for the Deputy Directorate for Asia, Directorate for Strategy, Plans and Policy (DJ5).

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

CDR Burkett completed JPME I through the U.S. Marine Corps Command and Staff College and has earned his Master's in Administrative Leadership from the University of Oklahoma.

CDR Burkett has accumulated over 2,700 flight hours in naval aircraft. His awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (3), Joint Service Achievement Medal (2), and Navy Achievement Medal as well as various unit awards and ribbons.