A native of Sandusky, Ohio, Commander Stein graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2007, earning a Bachelor of Science in Political Science. He earned his “Wings of Gold” and was designated a Naval Aviator in July of 2009. He completed his initial MH-60R training with the “Seahawks” of HSM-41 at NAS North Island.
 
In 2010, CDR Stein reported to the “Saberhawks” of HSM-77 in San Diego, CA. During his initial operational assignment, he deployed twice with Carrier Air Wing TWO in support of Operations ENDURING FREEDOM, NEW DAWN, and the CTF-151 Combined Maritime counter-piracy Force aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), USS Shoup (DDG 86), USS Momsen (DDG 92), and USS Sterett (DDG 104). In 2013, he assisted in HSM-77’s homeport shift to NAF Atsugi, Japan, completing the inaugural MH-60R Forward Deployed Naval Forces deployment with Carrier Air Wing FIVE aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73).
 
 
In 2013, CDR Stein was selected to attend the Navy’s Rotary Wing Weapons School Seahawk Weapons and Tactics Instructor (SWTI) course in Fallon, Nevada. Upon graduation, he reported to HSM Weapons School Pacific (HSMWSP) for his initial shore tour; where he served as the ASW Program Manager, Air
Combat Training Continuum Program Manager, and Administrative Department Head. While at the
Weapons School he was selected as the 2014 Tactician of the Year and the 2015 Instructor Pilot of the
Year. In 2016, he reported to Team QUICKSAND of Carrier Air Wing SEVENTEEN as the HSM Operations Officer and Helicopter Element Coordinator (HEC) deploying aboard USS Theodore
Roosevelt (CVN 71) in support of Operations INHERENT RESOLVE and FREEDOM’S SENTINEL.
 
In September 2018, CDR Stein reported to the “Blue Hawks” of HSM-78 for his Department Head tour. He served as the Combat Element TWO Officer-in-Charge (OIC) aboard USS Dewey (DDG 105), Operations Officer, and Maintenance Officer. While assigned to HSM-78, he was selected as the squadron’s 2020 Officer of the Year. 
 
Following his department head tour, CDR Stein reported to Newport, RI to attend the Naval War College as a member of the Naval Command and Staff College. In March of 2022, he received a Master of Arts in Defense and Strategic Studies and JPME Phase I certification. In November 2022, he reported to the Wolf Pack as Executive Officer.
 
CDR Stein has over 2,775 flight hours with over 745 shipboard landings. He has been awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (three awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two awards), and various unit commendations, service, and campaign awards.
 

Last Updated: 12 February 2024