A native of Warren, Pennsylvania, Commander Dippold enlisted in the Navy in 1998 and completed Naval Nuclear Power training in 2000.  He reported to the USS Pennsylvania (B) completing six strategic deterrent patrols.  Selected for commissioning via Seaman-to-Admiral 21, he graduated from Cornell University in 2005, earning Bachelor of Arts degrees in Government and Economics. CDR Dippold reported to NAS Pensacola, FL for initial flight training in April 2006 with follow-on training at NAS Corpus Christi, Texas. He earned his Naval Aviator Wings in November 2007 and reported to VP 30 for initial training in the P-3C Orion and EP-3 aircraft.

CDR Dippold began operational flying in August 2008 with the “World Watchers” of VQ 1.  While a “World Watcher” he made six deployments, participating in Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, Operation NEW DAWN and serving as Aviation Safety Officer, Quality Assurance Officer and Electronic Warfare Instructor Pilot.  In January 2012, while serving as Safety Officer at COMMANDER PATROL AND RECONNAISSANCE WING TEN, CDR Dippold was selected for transition to the Electronic Attack community and reported for training to VT 7, NAS Meridian, MS.  He then reported to the “Vikings” of VAQ 129 for initial fleet training in the EA-18G. 

CDR Dippold reported to the “Wizards” of VAQ 133 in April, 2015 where he deployed onboard USS HARRY S TRUMAN (CVN 75) to the Western Pacific and supported RIMPAC 2016.  He served as Senior Watch Officer, Quality Assurance Officer, and Safety/NATOPS Officer.  After selection as Department Head he reported to VAQ 129 in March, 2017 as Admin Officer and Instructor Pilot and then returned to the fleet as a Department Head in August, 2017 with VAQ 137, the “Rooks”.  With the Rook Team he completed the inaugural dynamic force employment deployment on board the USS JOHN C STENNIS (CVN 74), conducting combat flights in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE as well as embarked flight operations north of the Arctic Circle.  He served as Administrative Officer, Operations Officer, and Maintenance Officer. 

Following his department head tour, CDR Dippold served as action officer, US Strategic Command J-8 Directorate.  At STRATCOM, he supported the Joint Requirements Oversight Council for Electronic Warfare as well as Functional and Joint Capabilities boards and advocated for Electronic Warfare requirements across the Department of Defense.  He selected for squadron command in March 2020 and is scheduled to report to VAQ-135, The World Famous Black Ravens, as Executive Officer in April 2022.

CDR Dippold has accumulated over 2,700 flight hours and 453 carrier arrested landings, including 123 combat missions. His awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Strike/Flight Air Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, and Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal as well as various service awards and ribbons.

Last Updated: 17 July 2023