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Commander David "Dave" Shultz

Commander David Shultz hails from Waller, Texas and graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2007 with a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering with an emphasis in Astronautics.  In 2015 he earned a Master of Science in Systems Engineering from the Naval Post Graduate School and in 2018 he completed JPME Phase 1 through the Naval War College.

Winged as a Naval Aviator in October of 2008, Commander Shultz then completed P-3C FRS flight training at Patrol Squadron THIRTY in Jacksonville, FL.  His first operational assignment was with Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron TWO (VQ-2), NAS Whidbey Island, Washington.  While at VQ-2 he amassed 456 combat flight hours conducting Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions over Iraq, Afghanistan, the Arabian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman, the Horn of Africa, Libya, Mali, and the Mediterranean in support of Counter Terrorism Operations and Operations ENDURING FREEDOM, IRAQI FREEDOM, and POST UNIFIED PROTECTOR.  When VQ-2 disestablished in 2012 he continued his first operational tour with VQ-1.

In March of 2013, Commander Shultz joined the Pro’s Nest of Patrol Squadron 30 where he was selected as the first VQ pilot to transition as a P-8A Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) Instructor.  While there, he served as P-8A Flight Officer and P-8A Avionics and Armament Aircraft Maintenance Division Officer.

Commander Shultz moved to Norfolk, Virginia in December of 2015 to serve as Flag Lieutenant for Commander Carrier Strike Group FOUR (CSG-4).  While there, he completed two Composite Training Unit Exercises (COMPTUEX) aboard the USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN-69) and the USS GEORGE H. W. BUSH (CVN-77) and two Amphibious Ready Group/Marine Expeditionary Unit Team Exercises (ARG/MEU EX) aboard the USS WASP (LHD-1) and the USS BATAAN (LHD-5).

Commander Shultz was selected for Department Head and joined the ranks of the Golden Swordsmen of Patrol Squadron 47 in 2018 where he served as Administrative Officer and Operations Officer.  He deployed to the SEVENTH Fleet AOR where he served as Officer in Charge of a detachment to India and conducted United Nations Security Council sanctions enforcement against North Korea. He also deployed to the SIXTH Fleet AOR where he managed squadron operations through the initial phase of COVID-19.
   
In November of 2020, Commander Shultz arrived at the Bureau of Naval Personnel (PERS-43) in Millington, TN to serve as the VP Placement Officer.  While at PERS-43, he directly supported aviation officer policy, selection, distribution, and assignment functions for all of the Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Force.  He will arrive as Executive Officer of Patrol Squadron FOUR in April of 2023.

Commander Shultz has accumulated over 2100 flight hours in the P-3C, EP-3E, and P-8A, including 88 combat missions.  His awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal (three Strike/Flight awards), and the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (five awards). CDR Shultz is married to the former Jessica Carvell and they are the proud parents of two daughters, Lillian and Hannah. 

Last Updated: 10 May 2023


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