CDR Dave Steppe is a native of Birmingham, Alabama, and graduated from Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, with a Bachelor of Science in Logistics in 2008, and received his commission as an Ensign through the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corp.

After graduation, CDR Steppe reported to Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, Florida, for aviation indoctrination and received his wings in August 2010. 

After finishing flight school, he reported to Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 129, the “Vikings”, at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington, for initial training in the E/A-18G Growler.  After completing the training syllabus, CDR Steppe then reported to Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 141, the “Shadowhawks, “ at NAS Whidbey Island, in October 2011, where he served as an Electronic Warfare Officer, Quality Assurance Officer, Avionics/Armament Division Officer, and Schedules Officer.  While assigned to VAQ-141, he deployed aboard the USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77) in support of Operation New Dawn.  He also served in Atsugi, Japan, and deployed onboard USS George Washington (CVN-73) completing three cruises in the Western Pacific, participating in multiple joint exercises throughout the Pacific Area of Operations.  He then reported to VAQ-129 as an instructor in 2015. 

In 2016, he joined the Naval Flight Demonstration Squadron (NFDS) as Blue Angel #8 (Events Coordinator) and started traveling around the country and Canada setting up air show sites and coordinating team events for the 2017 and 2018 teams. 

CDR Steppe returned to Whidbey Island, Washington and joined Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 139 as a Department Head in June of 2019, where he served as Safety Officer, Administrative Officer, Maintenance Officer, and Operations Officer.  While assigned to VAQ-139, CDR Steppe completed one deployment aboard the USS NIMITZ (CVN-68) to the Western Pacific/Arabian Gulf in support of Operation’s Inherent Resolve and Freedom Sentinel.  VAQ-139 won the 2020 Battle “E” Award during his tenure.
 
CDR Steppe attended the Naval War College, Newport, Rhode Island, and graduated with a Master of Arts degree in Defense and Strategic Studies in 2023.

CDR Steppe has accumulated over 2,300 flight hours and over 500 carrier-arrested landings.  His decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and various personal and unit awards.
 

Last Updated: 10 September 2024