COMMANDING OFFICER: COMMANDER RICHARD SHETTLER
Commander Richard E. Shettler, a native of Byron, Michigan, enlisted in the United States Navy in July 1987.
He graduated from Electronics “A” school in December 1988 and reported aboard the USS Raleigh (LPD-1) while
on deployment in the Persian Gulf. While assigned to the Raleigh, Commander Shettler was again deployed to
the Persian Gulf region in support of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm from August 1990 to April 1991.
After returning to Norfolk, Virginia, Commander Shettler applied and was selected as an Officer Candidate and
attended both Old Dominion and Norfolk State Universities and commissioned an Ensign in the spring of 1994.
After completing flight training in December 1995, Commander Shettler was designated a Naval Aviator and
assigned to Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron Four (VQ-4) located on Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma City,
OK. There he served as both mission and aircraft commander providing the president of the United States with
a survivable and endurable means to command the nation’s strategic nuclear weapons arsenal.
After his tour with the Shadows, Commander Shettler reported back to the birth place of Naval Aviation, flying
as a Warbuck at Training Squadron Four located in Pensacola Florida. While assigned to VT-4, Commander
Shettler completed his Masters Degree from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in 2001 and applied, was
selected and re-designated as a Full Time Support (FTS) Officer in the United States Naval Reserve in July 2001.
After becoming an FTS Officer, Commander Shettler completed operational VR tours with the world famous
Sunseekers (VR-58) in Jacksonville, FL and the Windjammers (VR-51) in Kaneohe Bay, HI where he completed
his Joint Professional Military Training (JPMEI/II) . Commander Shettler also completed a shore tour on the
Staff of the Commander, Naval Air Force (CNAF) in 2011 and while on shore duty completed an individual
assignment (IA) in support of both Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom as the Director of the Warrior Transition
Program in Kuwait from April 2009 to November 2009. Commander Shettler has served in a variety of positions,
including Operations Officer, Maintenance Officer, Aviation Safety Officer, Administration Officer, Training Officer,
Detachment Officer in Charge and Requirements Officer defending procurement plans for twelve different type
model aircraft. In May 2011, he reported as the Prospective Executive Officer of the VR-58 “Sunseekers”, and
assumed the position of Executive Officer in September 2011. He assumed command of VR-58 in October 2012.
Commander Shettler has accumulated over 5000 mishap free flight hours in six different Navy aircraft.
His personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), the Navy Commendation Medal (three
awards), the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (five awards), and various unit, campaign and service
medals. He is married and has four children.