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 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. 

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.