A native of Hudson, Ohio, Commander Steinmetz was commissioned in 2004 through NROTC at Miami University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology.  He graduated with distinction from the U.S. Naval War College with a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies. Commander Steinmetz earned his Naval Aviator Wings in November 2006 and has since accumulated over 2,500 flight hours in the SH-60B and MH-60R.
 
At sea, Commander Steinmetz first served with the “Wolfpack” of HSL-45. While there he completed a deployment on the USS JARRETT (FFG-33) where he supported Combined Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Exercise 2008. From 2009-2010 he completed a USS NIMITZ (CVN-68) Carrier Strike Group deployment aboard USS RENTZ (FFG-46) in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM and counter-piracy operations in the U.S. Fifth Fleet Area of Responsibility. He completed his tour with the Wolfpack as the squadron NATOPS Officer. Additionally, he served as the V-3 Division Officer and Aircraft Handling Officer onboard USS PELELIU (LHA-5) where he deployed in support of Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise 2014 and a 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit deployment to the Western Pacific. CDR Steinmetz completed his Department Head tour as a plank owner with the “Griffins” of HSM-79. While there, he took the squadron from its Safe-For-Flight inspection through their first workups with Carrier Air Wing SEVEN (CVW-7) and the USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72) Carrier Strike Group as the squadron operations officer and maintenance officer.
 
Ashore, CDR Steinmetz served as an FRS Instructor Pilot with the “Seahawks” of HSM-41 where he served as a schedules officer and the squadron NATOPS Officer. He completed his joint tour as the senior action officer for the Cyber National Mission Force (CNMF) J7 where he oversaw mission rehearsal in support of ten named operations as well as CNMF participation in US Cyber Command tier one and bilateral training exercises.
 
CDR Steinmetz’s awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (2 awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2 awards), and various unit commendations, service and campaign awards. He is married to his wife Amy and together they have two children.
 
CDR Steinmetz reported to his current assignment as Executive Officer of HSM-35 in March 2022.