Cmdr. Aaron Szechtman
EXECUTIVE OFFICER, TACTICAL AIR CONTROL SQUADRON (TACRON) 21
28 May 2025
CDR Aaron Szechtman was born in Greenwich, Connecticut. He graduated from Georgetown University in 2007 with bachelor’s degrees in Physics and Political Economy. He was commissioned via NROTC in May 2007 and was designated a naval aviator in April 2009.
CDR Szechtman’s first squadron sea tour was as a member of the HS-11 “Dragonslayers”. During this tour, he deployed twice onboard the USS Enterprise (CVN 65) in 2011 and 2012 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation New Dawn, and counter-piracy operations. While at HS-11, he served as Schedules Officer, Avionics and Armament Division Officer, Naval Air Training and Operating Procedures Standardization (NATOPS) Officer, and Administrative Officer.
From 2013 to 2016, CDR Szechtman was assigned to the HSC-84 “Red Wolves”. He deployed three times in support of contingency special operations attached to the Joint Special Operations Air Component-Central (JSOAC-C). CDR Szechtman served as Assistant Operations Officer, Requirements Officer, and Administrative Officer.
In 2016, he was selected as the flag aide for the Commander, Naval Sea Systems Command. He served in this role until 2017.
From 2018 to 2020, CDR Szechtman served as a squadron department head for the HSC-5 “Nightdippers”. During this tour, he deployed onboard the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel, and served as the squadron Tactics Officer, Operations Officer, and Maintenance Officer.
From 2020 to 2021, CDR Szechtman attended the Naval War College, earned a master’s degree in Defense and Strategic Studies and graduated with distinction.
CDR Szechtman served on the Joint Staff from 2021 to 2023 and was selected to serve as the executive assistant for the two Vice Directors for Joint Force Development, J-7.
Most recently, CDR Szechtman served in the Global Force Management division at US Fleet Forces Command as the Expeditionary Force Branch Head.
CDR Szechtman has accumulated over 2,300 flight hours. His personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal as well as multiple unit and campaign awards.