A native of Prospect, Ohio, Captain Issler graduated from Miami University in 2000, earning a Bachelor of Science in Finance.  He was commissioned through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps Program and reported to NAS Pensacola, FL for flight training in May 2001.  Captain Issler was designated as a Naval Aviator in July 2002 and reported to NAS North Island with the HC-3 “Merlins” for initial fleet training as a MH-60S pilot.

Captain Issler began his operational flying tour in February 2003 with the “Providers” of HC-5, later renamed HSC-25 “Island Knights” in Guam.  While a “Provider” he made multiple deployments participating in Operation IRAQI FREEDOM and Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.

Captain Issler reported to the “Fleet Angels” of HSC-2 as a flight instructor in February 2006 helping to stand up the first east coast MH-60S Fleet Replacement Squadron. 

Following his flight instructor tour, Captain Issler reported to USS DWIGHT D EISENHOWER (CVN 69) as Assistant Navigator (ANAV) in January 2009.  During his tour, Captain Issler was selected as the 2010 Navy and Marine Corps Association Leadership Award winner, 2010 IKE 5 Star Leadership Award winner and 2010 Naval Helicopter Association Shipboard Aviation Officer of the Year.

Captain Issler returned to the fleet as a Department Head in HSC-7, the “Dusty Dogs” in September 2011. While with the “Dusty Dogs”, he deployed aboard USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN 75) in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.  Following his department head tour, Captain Issler served as a Special Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.  While on the Joint Staff, he directly supported the Chairman as an Action Officer in executing his Chiefs of Defense Counterpart Visit program.

Captain Issler took command of the “Eightballers” in August 2018 and screened for the AVN command track.  Following Aviation Nuclear Propulsion training, Captain Issler reported aboard USS RONALD REAGAN (CVN 76) as Executive Officer in January 2022.

Captain Issler holds a MBA from the Naval Post Graduate School.  His awards include Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal and other personal and unit awards.