A native of San Clemente, California, Commander Reust graduated from Austin Peay State University in 2004, earning a Bachelor of Science in Political Science. CDR Reust was commissioned through Navy Officer Candidate School at NAS Pensacola, Florida in August 2005 and reported for flight training in September 2005.  He earned his Naval Flight Officer Wings in July 2007.  In August 2007, CDR Reust reported to Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 129 “Vikings” for initial fleet training as an EA-6B Prowler Electronic Countermeasures Officer.

CDR Reust began his operational flying in October of 2008, he reported to the “Gauntlets” of VAQ-136 stationed in Atsugi, Japan.  During his tour, he participated in multiple joint and international exercises during six forward deployed naval forces deployments aboard USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73).  During this tour he was selected for the NFO-to-pilot program and reported to VT-3 in January 2012 for primary flight training.  He earned his Wings as a Naval Aviator in October 2013.

CDR Reust again reported to the VAQ 129 “Vikings” as a Fleet Replacement Pilot in October 2013 and completed initial fleet training in the EA-18G Growler in April of 2015.  In April of 2015, he returned to the “Gauntlets” of VAQ-136, this time stationed in NAS Whidbey Island, Washington.  He completed SOUTHERN SEAS deployment aboard USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73) and WESTERN PACIFIC deployment aboard USS CARL VINSON (CVN70).  

CDR Reust returned to the fleet as a Department Head in October of 2017, he reported to the “Shadowhawks” of VAQ 141 as Department Head.  While stationed at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, he completed four forward deployed naval forces deployments to the Indo-Pacific AOR aboard USS RONALD REAGAN (CVN 76).

Following his department head tour, CDR Reust served as Assistant Deputy Director of Operations and Presidential Strike Advisor in the National Military Command Center, Joint Staff, J-36 Directorate.  While on the Joint Staff, he directly supported the execution of command center operations, crisis response requirements, nuclear command and control emergency actions, and strategic operations.  In 2022, CDR Reust received a Master’s Degree in Global Policy from John Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies.  He selected for squadron command in March 2021 and reported to VAQ-141 as Executive Officer in April 2024.

CDR Reust has accumulated over 2,400 flight hours in the EA-6B, EA-18G, and other model aircraft and more than 780 carrier arrested landings.  His awards include Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (2 Awards), Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal and various unit and service awards and ribbons.