PXO HSC-4
A native of Boston, Massachusetts, CDR Leone graduated from Boston University in 2008, earning a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering.  CDR Leone commissioned through the Boston University Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps and reported to NAS Pensacola, FL for flight training in June 2008.  He earned his Naval Aviator Wings in June 2010 and reported to the HSC-3 “Merlins” for initial fleet training as an MH-60S pilot. 
 
CDR Leone began his operational flying in February 2011 with the HSC-8 "Eightballers" onboard Naval Air Station North Island.  As an “Eightballer”, he deployed to U.S. 3rd, 5th, and 7th Fleets aboard USS JOHN C. STENNIS (CVN 74), USS MOBILE BAY (CG 53), and USNS BRIDGE (T-AOE-10) in support of Operation NEW DAWN and Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.  He served as Detachment Division Officer, Planning Officer, Personnel Officer, and Assistant Operations Officer.
 
In 2014, CDR Leone returned to the HSC-3 "Merlins," where he flew as an instructor pilot and served as Scheduling Officer and the MH-60S Curriculum Program Manager.  In May 2014 he provided aerial firefighting support to San Marcos, CA, protecting civilian homes from wildfire.  Additionally, he was awarded a Master of Science degree in Systems Analysis from the Navy Postgraduate School in March 2016. 
 
CDR Leone reported to USS Portland (LPD 27) as a "plank owner" in 2017 where he served as the Assistant Air Officer, Safety Officer, Final Contract Trials Coordinator, and Air Officer in support of the ship's commissioning, sea trials, and RIMPAC 2018. 
 
In 2020, CDR Leone returned to an aviation command as a Department Head of the "Legendary Black Knights" of HSC-4 onboard Naval Air Station North Island.  There he served as Safety Officer and Operations Officer while deployed on USS CARL VINSON (CVN 70) in U.S. 3rd and 7th Fleets in support of CSG-1's WESTPAC 2021-22 deployment, and RIMPAC 2022. 

Following his Department Head tour, CDR Leone served as an action officer, Joint Staff, J-6 Directorate.  While on the Joint Staff, he directly supported the Military Command, Control, Communications and Computers/Cyber Executive Board in decisions pertaining to cryptographic modernization and cybersecurity.  He selected for command in March 2023 and reported to HSC-4 as Executive Officer in December 2025.   
 
CDR Leone has accumulated over 2,600 hours in Navy aircraft. His awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal Navy Commendation Medal (3 awards), Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal (3 awards) and various service awards and ribbons.  Andrew and his wife, Meaghan, are the proud parents of Logan and Madelyn. 
 

Last Updated: 11 December 2025