VT-4 Leadership

Executive Officer

A native of Milledgeville, Georgia, Commander Pettepher graduated from Georgia College & State University in 2005, earning a Bachelor of Science in History. CDR Pettepher was commissioned through Officer Candidate School and reported to NAS Pensacola, FL for flight training in October 2006. He earned his Naval Flight Officer Wings in August 2008. In November 2008, CDR Pettepher reported to the VP 30 "Pro's Nest" for initial fleet training as a P-3C Navigation/Communications Officer.

CDR Pettepher began his operational flying in May 2009 with the "Tridents" of VP 26. While a "Trident", he made two deployments to AFRICOM, EUCOM and CENTCOM Areas of Responsibility, participating in Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, Operation ACTIVE ENDEAVOR, and Operation ENDURING FREEDOM - HORN OF AFRICA. During this tour CDR Pettepher graduated from the Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Weapons School in 2012.

CDR Pettepher reported to Commander, Task Force 72 Atsugi, Japan in April 2013 as the Pacific Plans and Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force Liaison Officer. While at CTF 72, he led the planning and execution bilateral and multilateral exercises including KEEN SWORD and ANNUALEX in addition to coordinating USN and JMSDF maritime patrol operations.

CDR Pettepher returned to the fleet in August 2016 as a Squadron Maritime Tactics Instructor with the VP-40 "Marlins." While with the "Marlins," he deployed to CENTCOM and PACOM AORs supporting Operation INHERENT RESOLVE. Additionally, he supported Homeland Defense detachment operations.

CDR Pettepher then reported to the VP 46 "Grey Knights" as a Department Head in August 2018. While with the "Grey Knights," he completed the squadron transition to P-8A and two deployments to CENTCOM, PACOM and EUCOM AORs. While at VP-46 he served both as NATOPS and Operations Officer.

Following his department head tour, CDR Pettepher reported to US Naval War College to attend the College of Command and Naval Staff. He earned his Master of Arts in Defense and Strategic Studies and received the President's Honor Graduate Award. He was selected for squadron command in March 2022 and reported to the VT-4 "Warbucks" in May 2023.

CDR Pettepher has accumulated over 2,300 flight hours in four aircraft. His awards include the Strike/Flight Air Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (3 awards), and Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2 awards) and various service awards and ribbons.