A native of Laurinburg, North Carolina, CDR Blackwell enlisted as an Aviation AntiSubmarine Systems Warfare Operator (AW) in June, 1999. Following recruit and aircrew training he continued to Pensacola, FL and was designated a Naval Aircrewman in June, 2000. His enlisted assignments include VP-16 “War Eagles" and VP-30 “Pro’s Nest”. At VP-16 he served as the lead BEARTRAP Acoustic Operator, conducting deployments to Keflavik, Iceland, Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico, and Sigonella, Sicily. While assigned to VP-30 as an AW Acoustic Instructor, CDR Blackwell graduated from Southern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electronic Systems and was accepted into Officer Candidate School receiving his commission in May, 2008. Following Naval Flight Officer training, CDR Blackwell was assigned to the VP-5 “Mad Foxes”, where he deployed to Africa, Japan, and Italy in support of various operations to include OPERATION ODYSSEY DAWN and UNIFIED PROTECTOR. During his tenure at VP-5, CDR Blackwell established Tactics, Techniques and Procedures for MPRA Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence technology, and was awarded the FY 2012 Naval Institute Copernicus Award. From 2013-2015, CDR Blackwell was stationed at CTF-72 Misawa, Japan, serving as Joint Interface Control Officer, Weapons Tactics Instructor and Deputy Current Operations Officer. In 2015, he reported to Yokosuka, Japan serving as the FLAG LT to Commander, United States Seventh FLEET embarked on USS BLUE RIDGE. In 2017, CDR Blackwell reported to Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Weapons School and in September 2018 continued to the VP-9 “Golden Eagles” in Whidbey Island, Washington serving as Department Head, CTG Ops, and Operations Officer. Following his department head tour, CDR Blackwell served as the Washington Placement Officer at Naval Personnel Command in Millington, TN. He selected for aviation command in March 2022 and reported to the VP-1 “Screaming Eagles” as Executive Officer in April 2023. CDR Blackwell has accumulated over 3,300 flight hours in the P-3C and P-8A. His personal awards include the Navy Commendation Medal (Silver Star), Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal (Gold Stars), and various service and unit awards. CDR Blackwell is married to the former Kelly Jensen of Middleburg, Florida. They are blessed with two daughters, and one son