A native of Lynden, Washington, Commander Van Loo graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2008 with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. He earned his Wings of Gold in September 2010 and subsequently reported to the HSC-3 “Merlins” for initial fleet training as an MH-60S Seahawk Pilot.
 

CDR Van Loo’s first operational tour was with the “World Famous Golden Falcons” of HSC-12, both in San Diego, CA and in Atsugi, Japan. During that tour he deployed on the USNS CHARLES DREW (T-AKE 6), USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN 72), USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73), and USS BLUE RIDGE (LCC 19) to the FIFTH, SIXTH, and SEVENTH FLEET areas of responsibility in support of various named operations.
 

His subsequent operational tours include serving on CARRIER AIRWING ELEVEN (CVW-11) staff in San Diego, CA as the Helicopter Element Coordinator and deploying on USS NIMITZ (CVN 68) as well as his Department Head tour with the “Island Knights” of HSC-25 in Guam during which he was the Officer-In-Charge of a forward deployed detachment and deployed on USS AMERICA (LHA 6).


CDR Van Loo’s first of two shore tours was as a fleet instructor with the “Merlins” of HSC-3 in San Diego, CA serving both as a Fleet Replacement Squadron Instructor Pilot and Weapons and Tactics Instructor. During this tour he graduated from the University of San Diego with a Master of Science in Global Leadership. His second shore tour was in Stuttgart, Germany on the staff of the United States Africa Command as the Executive Officer to the Director of Operations. He reported to the HSC-21 “Blackjacks” to serve as the Executive Officer in August 2024.


CDR Van Loo has accumulated over 2,400 flight hours in three aircraft. His awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (3 awards), Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal, and various service awards and ribbons. He is married to the former Dara Wagenmaker of St. Louis, MO. Together they have three children; Jack, Calvin, and Edmund.
 

Last Updated: 19 December 2025