TW5 R.C. Leadership

Reserve Component Commander

Growing up in Williamston, Michigan, CDR Kerber attended the U.S. Naval Academy where he graduated with Distinction and earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Commissioned a Second Lieutenant of Marines, he attended The Basic School in Quantico, VA, followed by pilot training at NAS Corpus Christi and NAS Whiting Field. After earning his Wings of Gold, he transferred to MCAS Kane'ohe Bay, HI to fly the mighty Sikorsky CH-53D Sea Stallion. He is also a graduate of Harvard Business School in Boston, MA, where he earned a Master's Degree in Business Administration.

Assigned to the "Pegasus" of HMH-463, CDR Kerber provided Fleet Marine Force heavy lift assault support, completing two RIMPAC exercises and deployed to MCAS Iwakuni, Japan as part of the Unit Deployment Program. Reassigned to the HMT-301 "Windwalkers" as a Fleet Replacement Instructor, he served as Operations Officer, CH-53D NATOPS Evaluator, and Night Systems Instructor.

Following a six year break in service, CDR Kerber returned to naval service with the World Famous "Windjammers" of VR-51 based at Kane'ohe Bay. As a Reserve aviator, he flew the Gulfstream C-20G transport jet for global fleet logistics missions, including multiple detachments to Al Udeid Air Base, NAS Sigonella, and NAF Atsugi. He volunteered for a one-year NOBLE EAGLE Individual Augment mobilization to Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet to manage all active duty individual augment assignments.

Returning to the "Windjammers", CDR Kerber served as a Department Head and C-20G Assistant NATOPS Instructor. He mobilized again as Maintenance Officer guiding the squadron's aircraft transition to the Boeing C-40A Clipper. Following this second mobilization, he served as Operations Officer and selected for squadron command.

As Skipper, CDR Kerber led the squadron moving and supplying maritime combat forces worldwide. His team provided 269 days of detachment support to Combatant Commanders worldwide and responsive Clipper airlifts supporting forward deployed naval forces including Carrier Air Wing FIVE, maritime security operations in the Red Sea and Pacific Partnership 2024. Under his charge, the squadron continued a 28-year streak of Class "A" mishap-free flight operations and provided a $121 million cost avoidance to the Fleet.

Following squadron command, CDR Kerber joined Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet Navy Reserve Naval and Amphibious Liaison Element, leading N5 Plans and supporting Operational Level of War exercises and operations within 613th Air Operations Center, Pacific Air Forces, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawai'i.

He selected for and assumed the duties as Reserve Component Commander of Training Air Wing Five.

CDR Kerber has accumulated over 3,300 flight hours in Navy/Marine aircraft. His awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medals and Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medals.