Cmdr. Andrew Dietzel

Executive Officer, USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD-28)

11 May 2023

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. 

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. Currently, he serves as the Executive Officer of USS FORT LAUDERDALE.

His awards include: Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal (5 awards), Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and various other personal and unit awards. 

Commander Dietzel is married to Commander Morgan Dietzel of Huntsville, AL and has three children, Anabelle (14), Hailey (5) and Matthew (1).