Stephen Koehler Explained

Stephen Koehler
Nickname:Web
Birth Date:15 April 1964
Birth Place:Norfolk, Virginia
Allegiance:United States
Branch:United States Navy
Serviceyears:1986–present
Rank:Admiral
Commands:United States Pacific Fleet
United States Third Fleet
Carrier Strike Group 9


VFA-143
Battles:Gulf War
Iraq War
Awards:Defense Distinguished Service Medal
Navy Distinguished Service Medal
Defense Superior Service Medal (2)
Legion of Merit (5)
Alma Mater:Joint Forces Staff College
Naval War College (MNSA)
University of Colorado Boulder (BS)

Stephen Thomas Koehler (born April 15, 1964)[1] is a United States Navy admiral who serves as the commander of the United States Pacific Fleet. He previously served as the director for strategy, plans, and policy of the Joint Staff from 2022 to 2024 and as commander of the United States Third Fleet from 2021 to 2022.[2] [3] [4] [5]

Early life and education

Koehler was born in Norfolk, Virginia[1] and raised in San Diego, where he graduated from Mt. Carmel High School in 1982.[6] He earned a Bachelor of Science in Physics from the University of Colorado Boulder in 1986. Koehler holds a master's degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College and also graduated from the Joint Staff College and the Navy Nuclear Power Program.

Naval career

Koehler was commissioned through the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) in 1986[7] and designated a naval aviator in March 1989. His command tours include the Pukin' Dogs of Fighter Squadron (VF/VFA) 143,,, and Carrier Strike Group 9. Other seaborne assignments include tours in Fighter Squadron (VF) 211, VF-41 and executive officer of the .He was the Director of Operations of the United States Indo-Pacific Command from June 2018 to October 2020.

Koehler was originally slated to replace Andrew L. Lewis as commander of the United States Second Fleet and Joint Force Command Norfolk in March 2020; despite being confirmed by the Senate, he did not assume command.[8]

In April 2022, Koehler was nominated for assignment as director for strategy, plans, and policy of the Joint Staff and senior member of the Military Staff Committee of the United Nations.[7] [9] [10]

In July 2023, Koehler was nominated for promotion to admiral with assignment as commander of the United States Pacific Fleet.[11] [12]

Awards and decorations

Naval Aviator's Badge
Defense Distinguished Service Medal
Defense Superior Service Medal with one bronze oak leaf clusterLegion of Merit with four gold award stars
Meritorious Service Medal with three award starsAir Medal with strike/flight numeral "2" deviceNavy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with three award stars
Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with award starJoint Meritorious Unit AwardNavy Meritorious Unit Commendation with two bronze service stars
Navy "E" Ribbon with three Battle E devicesNational Defense Service Medal with service starArmed Forces Expeditionary Medal
Southwest Asia Service Medal with service starIraq Campaign Medal with two service starsGlobal War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal with two service stars
Global War on Terrorism Service MedalArmed Forces Service Medal with service starHumanitarian Service Medal
Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with one silver and one bronze service starNavy and Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon
Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait)Navy Expert Rifleman MedalNavy Expert Pistol Shot Medal
Command at Sea insignia

References

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Notes and References

  1. News: Certificate of Birth . 1964 . 23907 . Births, 1864-2016 . Virginia Department of Health . Richmond, Virginia.
  2. Web site: Vice Admiral Stephen T. "Web" Koehler. 2021-06-04. U.S. Navy.
  3. Web site: Koehler takes command of U.S. 3rd Fleet. 2021-06-03. 2021-06-05. U.S. 3rd Fleet Public Affairs. U.S. Pacific Fleet.
  4. Web site: Rear Admiral Stephen T. "Web" Koehler. 2021-03-24.
  5. Web site: Stephen T. "Web" Koehler. 2021-04-22.
  6. Book: The Horizon . 1982 . 8 . 97 . Mt. Carmel High School . San Diego, California.
  7. News: Franchetti Tapped for VCNO; 3rd Fleet Koehler to Joint Staff, Cheeseman to CNP . Sam . LaGrone . April 26, 2022 . USNI News . 2022-04-27.
  8. Web site: PN1678 — Rear Adm. Stephen T. Koehler — Navy. March 20, 2020. 2021-04-22.
  9. Web site: Flag Officer Announcements. April 26, 2022. United States Department of Defense.
  10. Web site: PN1985 — Vice Adm. Stephen T. Koehler — Navy. April 25, 2022. United States Congress.
  11. Web site: Flag Officer Announcements. 2023-07-27. 2023-07-28. U.S. Department of Defense.
  12. Web site: PN883 — Vice Adm. Stephen T. Koehler — Navy, 118th Congress (2023-2024). 2023-07-25. 2023-07-26. U.S. Congress.