Cmdr. Kevin Steadele
Executive Officer, Tactical Air Control Squadron (TACRON) 21
21 November 2024
CDR Kevin “Badger” Steadele hails from Missoula, MT and enlisted as a Gas Turbine Systems Technician in 1996. He was accepted to the Seaman to Admiral program in 2003 and graduated from Old Dominion University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and Economics. He was designated as a Naval Aviator in October 2009.
In 2010, CDR Steadele reported to the “Blackhawks” of Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron FIFTEEN (HM15). While attached to HM-15, CDR Steadele achieved the qualifications of AMCM Mission Commander, AMCM Instructor pilot, Assistant NATOPS Instructor, and Functional Check Pilot.
Following sea duty at HM-15, CDR Steadele was hand selected for follow-on orders as a Fleet Replacement Squadron Instructor Pilot at the Airborne Mine Countermeasures Weapon Systems Training School (AWSTS). In the fall of 2014, CDR Steadele attended MAWTS-1 for the academic portion of Weapons and Tactics Instructor course (WTI) and was subsequently designated a Sea Dragon Weapons and Tactics Instructor pilot. In addition to Instructor Duty, he served as Assistant Weapons and Tactics OIC, Administration Officer, and Training Officer.
In 2017, CDR Steadele reported back to the Blackhawks of HM-15 as the SWTI. During his tour, he served as the Tactics Officer and Detachment Assistant Officer in Charge.
CDR Steadele reported to HM-14 in 2019 as an Aviation Department Head. He served as Training Officer, Operations Officer, and Hurricane Dorian HADR Officer in Charge. He deployed to the Squadron’s SEVENTH Fleet Detachment in South Korea as the Officer-in-Charge of a three-aircraft, 100-person detachment.
Upon completion of his Department Head tour, CDR Steadele was assigned to the Joint Staff J35 directorate, supporting Global Force Management. He served as the Secretary of Defense Orders Writer, Corps Support Joint Working Group lead, and Executive Assistant to the Vice Deputy Director.
CDR Steadele has accrued over 2000 flight hours in the MH-53E. His personal decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and various unit and campaign awards.