A native of Lynden, Washington, Commander Van Loo graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2008, earning a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. CDR Van Loo was selected for Naval Aviation and reported to NAS Pensacola, FL for flight training in September 2008. He earned his Wings of Gold in September 2010 and subsequently reported to the HSC-3 “Merlins” for initial fleet training as an MH-60S Seahawk Pilot. 

CDR Van Loo began his operational flying in July 2011 with the “World Famous Golden Falcons” of HSC-12. Based in San Diego, CA he made his initial deployment aboard USNS CHARLES DREW (T-AKE 6) and USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN 72), supporting Operations IRAQI FREEDOM and ENDURING FREEDOM while circumnavigating the globe. Upon returning to San Diego, CDR Van Loo helped homeport shift the “World Famous Golden Falcons” from NAS North Island to NAF Atsugi, Japan. While part of Forward Deployed Naval Forces, he conducted two patrols aboard USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN-73) and a further deployment aboard USS BLUE RIDGE (LCC-19) in direct support of Commander 7th Fleet.

CDR Van Loo reported back to the “Merlins” of HSC-3 as a Fleet Replacement Squadron Instructor Pilot in August 2014. Having recently graduated from the Seahawk Weapons and Tactics Instructor course in NAS Fallon, he served as the Tactics Officer for the command. Concurrently, in August 2016 he graduated from the University of San Diego earning a Master of Science in Global Leadership. CDR Van Loo subsequently reported to CARRIER AIRWING ELEVEN (CVW-11) in 2017, serving as the Helicopter Element Coordinator for CARRIER STRIKE GROUP NINE. He deployed aboard USS NIMITZ (CVN-68) to the 7th and 5th Fleet areas of responsibility in support of Operation INHERANT RESOLVE and exercises MALABAR and RIMPAC.

Reporting to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam CDR Van Loo joined the HSC-25 “Island Knights” as a Department Head in 2019. While with the “Island Knights”, he deployed to both NAF Atsugi and aboard USS AMERICA (LHA 6) as Officer-In-Charge of a combat support detachment supporting exercise COBRA GOLD and a 7th Fleet patrol. He additionally served as the Training Officer, Administration Officer, and Maintenance Officer. 

Following his department head tour, CDR Van Loo served as the Executive Officer to the Director of Operations United States Africa Command in Stuttgart, Germany from 2021 to 2023. While on staff, he directly supported six different Generals in the daily execution of all military operations across the continent of Africa. He selected for squadron command in March 2023 and is scheduled to report to HSC-21 as Executive Officer in September 2024.

CDR Van Loo has accumulated over 2,300 flight hours in three aircraft. His awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (3 awards), and Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal and various service awards and ribbons. He is married to the former Dara Wagenmaker of St. Louis, MO. Together they have two children; Jack (3), and Calvin (1).
 

Last Updated: 16 August 2024