Cmdr. Andrew Dietzel
Commanding Officer, USS Porter (DDG 78)
05 March 2026
Commander Andrew Dietzel is a native of Westwood, Massachusetts. He earned his Bachelors of Science degree in Marine Transportation and his 3rd Mate Unlimited Tonnage, Oceangoing USCG License from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy in 2007.
At sea, Commander Dietzel served in the Norfolk based Guided Missile Destroyer USS OSCAR AUSTIN as the AntiTerrorism, Force Protection (ATFP) Officer and Visit, Board, Search and Seizure Officer where he completed a FIFTH FLEET and SIXTH FLEET Deployment supporting CTF-151 Anti-Piracy Operations around the Horn of Africa. During his 2nd Division Officer tour, he served in the Norfolk based aircraft carrier USS ENTERPRISE as the Assistant Damage Control Assistant where he completed a SIXTH and FIFTH FLEET Deployment supporting OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM and OPERATION NEW DAWN. As a Department Head, he served as the Chief Engineer in the Guided Missile Destroyer USS LABOON where he completed a FIFTH FLEET Deployment and was the Combat Systems/Weapons Officer/Staff Director for COMDESRON 26 where he conducted two TASW operations, Hurricane Florence SORTIE and two submarine commander’s courses. CDR Dietzel served as the Executive Officer Onboard USS FORT LAUDERDALE during her final phase of acceptance into the U.S. Navy Fleet and pre-deployment certifications.
Ashore, Commander Dietzel earned his Master of Arts degree in National Security Affairs through the Naval Postgraduate School and completed his Joint Professional Military Education Phase I Qualification. Also, while ashore Commander Dietzel served as Officer Candidate School Company Officer and Instructor at Officer Training Command in Newport, Rhode Island. Commander Dietzel also served under Current Operations within United States Fleet Forces Command in February 2019 until July 2022 where his primary duties were Maritime Homeland Defense planning and execution, Naval Forces North GFM lead and Integrated Air and Missile Defense Officer. CDR last command was CCSG-2 as the Surface Operations Officer. Currently, he serves as the Commanding Officer of USS PORTER.
His awards include: Meritorious Service Medal, Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal (5 awards), Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and various other personal and unit awards.