CAPT Andy Westerkom is a faculty member in the
Defense Strategy, Acquisition and Resourcing
department at the Eisenhower School, arriving in
December 2015.
A P-3C Naval Aviator, CAPT Westerkom served
operationally as the Commanding Officer of Patrol
Squadron (VP) 26, VP Task Group Commander and as a
department head with VP-46 in support of Operations
ENDURING FREEDOM and IRAQI FREEDOM. As a junior
officer with VP-4, he flew missions in support of Desert
Storm. He also served as Assistant Strike Ops Officer (A-Strike) on the USS
ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72).
CAPT Westerkom’s shore assignments include serving as Advanced Fixed Wing
Instructor Pilot at Training Squadron (VT) 31, VP Junior Officer Sea/Shore
Assignment Officer (Detailer) at Navy Personnel Command, and Maritime Patrol
and Reconnaissance Force Maintenance Officer (N4) for all forward deployed
aircraft in 7TH FLEET AND 5TH FLEET.
CAPT Westerkom’s major staff assignments include the Joint Staff, Force
Structure, Resource and Assessment (J8) Directorate, where he served as a
Strategic Analyst in the Studies, Analysis and Gaming Division from 2010 - 2014.
He also completed an assignment with USSOUTHCOM, Theater Engagement (J7)
Directorate, where he served as Head Quarters Training Division Chief.
He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Professional Aeronautics from Embry
Riddle Aeronautical University and a Master of Science degree in National
Security and Strategy from National War College. He was commissioned through
the Naval Aviation Cadet (NAVCAD) program and was designated a Naval Aviator
in October 1990. He is also a Joint Qualified Officer (JQO).