Captain David W. Ayotte is a native of Greenbrae, California.  He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2001 with a degree in Systems Engineering and was designated a Naval Aviator in 2002. 
 
     After completing flight training, he reported to Helicopter Combat Support Squadron SIX (HC-6) in Norfolk, Virginia, flying the MH-60S Seahawk.  Operational deployments include missions in support of combat operations in Iraq,  OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM, aboard the USS BATAAN (LHD-5) and USNS MT BAKER (T-AE-34).
 
     CAPT Ayotte was subsequently assigned as an MH-60S Flight Instructor at Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron THREE (FRS) in San Diego, California.  During this assignment he earned an Executive Masters in Business Administration from Naval Post Graduate School.
 
     CAPT Ayotte was then assigned to serve as Executive Assistant to Director of the Office for the Administrative Review of Detention of Enemy Combatants (OARDEC) in 2009. 
 
     Following this assignment, he reported to the USS PELILU (LHA-4) and served as Flight Deck Officer, Aircraft Handler and Mini Boss.  Deploying to the Arabian Gulf in 2010, he supported combat operations in Afghanistan and the Pakistan flood relief efforts.  
 
     After completing MH-60S refresher training in 2011, Captain Ayotte reported to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) TWO EIGHT where he served as Officer-in-Charge (OIC) and Department Head.  Operational deployments included OPERATION JACKAL STONE and SIXTH Fleet forward deployed detachments in support of SOCEUR exercises and USS MT WHITNEY (LCC-20) operations. Captain Ayotte served as squadron Safety Officer, Administrative Officer and Maintenance Officer, leading more than 200 sailors and the maintenance of 10 MH-60S aircraft.
 
     In 2014, he reported to PERS-43 as the HSC/HM Placement Officer.  During his tour he managed the manning for over 30 squadrons.  He successfully led his peers as the Head Recorder for the FY16 ADHSB.  During his tour he was selected for Operational Command of HSC-21 in San Diego, CA.
 
     In 2017, he reported as Executive Officer to the HSC-21 “Blackjacks”.  In 2017 he deployed as the OIC of a four aircraft detachment ISO of SOCPAC in 7^th FLT.  His detachment supported multiple exercises to include Operation Cobra Gold in Thailand.  Captain Ayotte currently serves as the Military Assistant to the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo Pacific Security Affairs. 
 
     Captain Ayotte’s decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (five awards), the Joint Service Achievement Medal, the Navy Achievement medal (two awards) and various unit and campaign decorations.  He has accumulated over 2,000 flight hours.  He is married and has two children.   

Last Updated: 15 August 2022