Capt. David E. Burke

Chief of Staff

Captain Burke reported to Carrier Strike Group TWELVE (CSG-12) in 2018 and serves as the Chief of Staff. A native of upstate New York, he graduated from the US Naval Academy in 1995 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science, and was designated an Unrestricted Naval Aviator in 1998. He has qualified in the SH-60F, HH-60H, and MH-60S and is a Seahawk Weapons and Tactics Instructor (SWTI). He also holds Master’s Degrees in Global Leadership from the University of San Diego and in National Security Strategy from the National War College. He is fully Joint Qualified.

In 1999, he joined Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron TWO (HS-2) onboard USS CONSTELLATION (CV-64), and deployed three times to the Western Pacific and Arabian Gulf. In 2003, he reported to and aided in the establishment of Helicopter Sea Combat Weapons School Pacific. While there, he deployed to the Joint Search and Rescue Center, Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar. He was subsequently assigned to Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron SIX (HS-6) as a Department Head in 2005, where he deployed to OIF/OEF and the Western Pacific onboard USS NIMITZ (CVN-68).

During 2008, Captain Burke reported to the Joint Staff Strategic Plans and Policy Directorate (J5). As an Action Officer, he was integral to planning that led to the establishment of US Cyber Command. He also served as Executive Assistant to the Deputy Director for Trans-Regional Policy, whose portfolio included developing military and national strategies related to Cyberspace, Space, Countering Violent Extremism and Strategic Communication.

Captain Burke joined Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron SIX (HSC-6) as Executive Officer in 2011 and subsequently commanded the squadron from January 2013 to April 2014, completing an extended deployment onboard USS NIMITZ (CVN-68) to the Western Pacific, Arabian Gulf, and the Red Sea. Under his command, the squadron was awarded the 2013 Battle “E”, CNO Safety “S”, Arnold J Isbell Trophy, Golden Anchor, and EAWS Silver Pennant. He has accumulated over 3,500 flight hours, of which more than 3,100 are in SEAHAWK Helicopters.

Prior to reporting to CSG-12, Captain Burke was the Operations and Plans Department Head at the Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center (SMWDC) Mine Warfare Division.  His responsibilities included serving as Battle Staff Director for the Navy’s only globally deployable Mine Warfare Task Force.