CDR Waddell is a native of Walnut Creek, California and earned a Bachelor of Science in History from the United States Naval Academy in 2008.  He also holds a Master of Arts in Defense and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College.  He was designated a Naval Aviator in July 2010.
 
CDR Waddell’s sea tours include a junior officer tour at Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 21 (HSC-21) from 2010-2014, including deployments to the 2515th Naval Air Ambulance Detachment and aboard USS Boxer (LHD 4).  As a department head at Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 26 (HSC-26) from 2019-2022, CDR Waddell served as Safety Officer, Training Officer, Maintenance Officer and deployed as Officer in Charge of HSC-26 Detachment One “Deserthawks.”
 
CDR Waddell’s shore tours include instructor duty as part of the Rotary Wing Weapons School at the Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center / Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center (NSAWC/NAWDC) from 2014-2017 and as flag aide to Commander, NAWDC from 2017-2019 in Fallon, Nevada.
 
He assumed duties as Commanding Officer in October 2025.

CDR Waddell has accumulated over 2,000 flight hours.  His awards include the Navy Commendation Medal (3 awards), Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and various service awards and ribbons.