Mike Beidler:  

Commander Mike Beidler, a native of Lansing, Michigan, studied Middle Eastern and Soviet politics in addition to 2 years of Russian language education, graduating from the University of Michigan in May 1992 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. Immediately after his commissioning as an Ensign through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC), Commander Beidler entered the Navy's aviation training program in Milton, Florida. He earned his designation as a Naval Aviator in November 1994. After completing his initial H-46D Sea Knight training at Helicopter Combat Support Squadron THREE (HC-3) in 1996, Commander Beidler reported aboard Helicopter Combat Support Squadron EIGHT (HC-8) in Norfolk, Virginia. In addition to flying Search-and-Rescue (SAR) and Vertical Replenishment (VERTREP) missions in the Mediterranean Sea and Persian Gulf theaters of operation while attached to USS SAIPAN (LHA-2) and USS SUPPLY (AOE-6), he served as Assistant Training Officer, Ground Safety Officer, Detachment SIX Assistant Operations Officer, Detachment THREE Operations Officer, and Detachment Liaison Officer. In 1999, Commander Beidler returned to Milton, Florida, and reported aboard Helicopter Training Squadron EIGHT (HT-8) to fly the TH-57B/C Bell Jet Ranger and instruct Student Naval Aviators in the art of helicopter flight. While at HT-8, he served as Public Affairs Officer, Assistant Administrative Officer, Legal Officer, and NATOPS Officer. In 2002, Commander Beidler reported aboard USS BOXER (LHD-4) and participated in Operations ENDURING FREEDOM and IRAQI FREEDOM as the Assistant Air Officer ("Mini-Boss"). While aboard BOXER, Commander Beidler obtained his Officer of the Deck (Underway) qualification, allowing him to run and supervise the bridge team of the 844-foot amphibious assault ship. Upon completion of his disassociated tour in ...Expand for more