VT-6 Leadership

Executive Officer

A native of Phoenix, Arizona, Commander Aldrich graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in 2008, earning a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Science with a minor in Aviation Safety. Commissioning through Officer Candidate School in Newport, RI, he reported to NAS Pensacola, FL for flight training in October 2008. Completing primary flight training at VT-6 and advanced at HT-18, he earned his Wings in September 2010. In October 2010, CDR Aldrich reported to the HS-10 "Warhawks" for fleet replacement training in the SH-60F and HH-60H.

CDR Aldrich began his operational flying in September 2011 with the "Chargers" of HS-14, completing three deployments aboard USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73), and one aboard the USS COWPENS (CG 63). In February of 2013, CDR Aldrich returned stateside with the "Chargers", beginning their transition from HS to HSC. At the completion of his first tour, CDR Aldrich reported to the "Firehawks" of HSC-85 in September 2014 and transitioned back to the HH-60H. With a decision to deactivate HSC-85, later rescinded, CDR Aldrich received new orders to the Rotary Wing Weapons School at the Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center (NAWDC). Here he became the Personnel Recovery (PR) subject matter expert (SME) and assisted the Air, Land, Sea, Space Application (ALSSA) Center in the development of the ALSSA PR manual. Additionally, he was the rotary wing SME in special operations forces (SOF) support, convoy escort, casualty evacuation (CASEVAC), and maritime interdiction operations (MIO).

CDR Aldrich reported to the "Eightballers" of HSC-8 in San Diego, CA as their Tactics and Training Officer in October 2018. Executing a full work up and deployment to the 7th Fleet area of responsibility onboard the USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN 71). In the fall of 2019, CDR Aldrich applied for and was accepted into the Reserve Component as a Training and Administration of the Reserves (TAR) Officer. In October of 2020, CDR Aldrich returned to the HSC-85 where he deployed with the "Firehawks" to Okinawa under the Air Force 353rd Special Operations Wing. Completing his Department Head tour at HSC-85 as the Maintenance Officer, CDR Aldrich reported to Commander Naval Air Force Reserve (CNAFR) as the Helicopter and Tilt Rotor Program Manager in November 2022. In 2024, he attended National Defense University, The Eisenhower School, where he earned his Master of Science in National Resource Strategy.

CDR Aldrich has accumulated over 2,200 flight hours in three different models of H-60. His awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (4 awards), and Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2 awards) and various service awards and ribbons.