A native of Bakersfield, California, CDR Kettler graduated with honors from the University of California, Los Angeles in 2010 earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in History. CDR Kettler commissioned through the UCLA Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps where he worked prior to reporting for initial flight training in 2011. While at VP-30 aboard NAS Jacksonville, FL, CDR Kettler was selected for one of the first P-8A Poseidon Fleet Replacement Squadron classes prior to earning his Naval Flight Officer Wings in April 2013. 

CDR Kettler’s first sea assignment was with VP-16 aboard NAS Jacksonville, Florida, from July 2013 to February 2016. While with the “War Eagles,” he completed two operational deployments to 7th Fleet, including the first-ever P-8A operational deployment, and qualified as a Patrol Plane Tactical Coordinator, Mission Commander, Instructor Tactical Coordinator, and Assistant NATOPS Instructor. 

CDR Kettler’s first shore assignment was with the Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Weapons School, where he earned his Weapons and Tactics Instructor, Fleet Replacement Squadron Instructor, and Instructor Under Training Instructor qualifications. He also served as the Fleet Instructor Under Training Lead and Training Department Head. While on shore, he completed Joint Professional Military Education Phase I and earned a Master of Science degree in Operations Management from the University of Arkansas. 

In 2019, CDR Kettler reported to the VP-10 “Red Lancers” as the Squadron Maritime Tactics Instructor. He completed his third operational deployment to 7th Fleet in 2020, where he served as Task Group Operations Officer and detachment Officer in Charge during the opening days of the pandemic. 

CDR Kettler completed his Department Head tour with the VP-40 “Fighting Marlins” stationed aboard NAS Whidbey Island, Washington, from 2021-2023. There he served as the Tactics, Training, Administrative and Operations Officer. He also completed his fourth and fifth operational deployments, including VP-40’s first P-8A deployment and a split-site 5th and 6th Fleet deployment. 

CDR Kettler next reported to the U.S. Naval War College in June 2023 where he earned a Master of Arts degree in National Security and Strategic Studies, graduating with high honors. He also completed Joint Professional Military Education Phase II and earned a Graduate Certificate in Maritime History. 

In May of 2025, CDR Kettler reported to the VP-46 “Grey Knights” as Executive Officer. 

CDR Kettler has accumulated over 2,500 flight hours in the P-8A Poseidon conducting anti-submarine warfare, reconnaissance, and anti-surface warfare missions around the world. His personal decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (5), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and other unit and service ribbons. 

Last Updated: 27 August 2025