Colonel A.W. Kellner

Colonel Andrew Kellner was born in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina and grew up in North Carolina, Virginia, and Chile. He received his commission in 2000 upon graduating from Jacksonville University with a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and was designated a Naval Aviator in 2002. He graduated from the Air Officer and AH-1 Weapons and Tactics Instructor courses and has two graduate degrees from Marine Corps University.

Colonel Kellner's operational career includes four flying combat deployments: three to Iraq in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM and one to Afghanistan in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, all served with the Gunfighters of Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 369. Additionally, he deployed with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 265 (Reinforced) as part of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and served as the Battalion Air Officer for 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines during a combat deployment to Ar Ramadi, Iraq.

His supporting establishment assignments include I MEF Special Operations Training Group Air Officer; Marine Aircraft Group 39 Headquarters Squadron Executive Officer; Expeditionary Warfare School Faculty Advisor and Chief Instructor; Deputy Director of Tactical Training and Exercise Control Group; Commanding Officer of Helicopter Training Squadron 28, which received the Vice Adm. Robert Goldwaite Training Excellence Award for the top overall Naval Air Training Command Squadron; and Director of Operations for Capabilities Development Directorate, Headquarters Marine Corps Combat Development and Integration.

Colonel Kellner has logged over 3,500 flight hours. His personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal with two Gold Stars and the Strike/Flight Air Medal with numeral 20.