New Commanding Officer of the Crossroads of the Navy Naval Air Facility Washington

June 1, 2012

Capt. Andrew P. Covert (CNCS 2002), became the new commanding officer of the Crossroads of the Navy Naval Air Facility Washington on June 1, 2012.
    
Capt. Covert earned a bachelor of science degree at Maine Maritime Academy and was commissioned an Ensign through NROTC in 1989 and a Naval Aviator the following year and completed initial fleet replacement training in the CH-53E helicopter in 1991. He earned a Master of Science degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the United States Naval War College, and has completed Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) Phase I and II.
    
His operational assignments include CH-53E and MH-53E squadron tours with the “Black Stallions” of Helicopter Combat Support Squadron Four (HC-4), in Sigonella, Italy and with the “Vanguard” of Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron Fourteen (HM-14) in Norfolk, VA. In 2004, he served as a Plans and Policy Officer assigned to Multi-National Force Iraq (MNF-I) in Baghdad. Additionally, from 2008-2009, he commanded HM-14, the Navy’s largest operational helicopter squadron. During his Executive Officer and Commanding Officer tour the squadron established a forward deployed detachment in Japan and Korea, and earned consecutive Battle Efficiency awards. Capt. Covert has deployed to 5th, 6th and 7th Fleet in support of Operations Desert Storm, Southern Watch, Deny Flight, Allied Force, Shining Hope, and Iraqi Freedom.
    
Capt. Covert’s shore and staff assignments include CH/MH-53E Fleet Replacement instructor pilot with Helicopter Marine Training Squadron 302 (HMT-302), Reserve Programs Director at Naval Air Reserve (NAR) Norfolk, and most recently as Expeditionary Helicopter Requirements Officer for Director, Air Warfare Division (OPNAV N88).
    
Capt. Covert’s personal decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (3), Navy Commendation Medal (4), Navy Achievement Medal (2), and numerous other unit and campaign awards. He and his wife Wendy reside in Centreville, Va. with their sons Dylan, 18, and Grant, 15, and their chocolate lab Buck.