A native of Hurricane, West Virginia, Commander Walroth enlisted into the Navy in 1999 as a Nuclear Machinist Mate. After completing the Navy Nuclear Power Training Command pipeline, he worked in the Reactor Department while deployed to SEVENTH FLEET onboard the USS CARL VINSON (CVN 70) until June of 2003. While onboard CVN 70, he received an appointment to the United States Naval Academy where he was inducted in June of 2003. During his senior year, he played on the Naval Academy varsity football team in 2006. CDR Walroth received his commission in 2007, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics.
Following flight training in Pensacola, Florida, he was designated an Unrestricted Naval Aviator in April of 2009. CDR Walroth began his operational aviation career in 2010 flying the SH-60F and HH-60H with the “Dragon Slayers” of Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron ELEVEN (HS-11), where he deployed on back-to-back deployments in 2011 and 2012 aboard USS ENTERPRISE (CVN 65) to FIFTH and SIXTH FLEET AORs in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM and counter-piracy operations of the coast of Somalia. While attached to HS-11, he served as Training Officer, NATOPS Officer, and Command Fitness Leader. While operating in the Red Sea, CDR Walroth’s crew successfully executed a Search and Rescue mission after a Sailor onboard fell into the water at night.
CDR Walroth reported to the “Merlins” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron THREE (HSC-3), the Fleet Replacement Squadron, in November of 2013 for flight instructor duty. CDR Walroth served as the Navy’s MQ-8 Fire Scout Model Manager and qualified in the MQ-8B, MH-60S, HH-60H, and SH-60F, becoming the first instructor to be qualified to instruct student pilots in four different aircraft at HSC-3.
CDR Walroth reported to the USS MAKIN ISLAND (LHD 8) in August of 2016. During his time as Mini Air Boss, the USS MAKIN ISLAND received the Admiral Flatley Safety Award with ZERO flight deck mishaps encompassing a high operational tempo Western Pacific Deployment in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.
CDR Walroth reported to the “Eightballers” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron EIGHT (HSC-8) where he served as Safety Officer and Maintenance Officer from 2018-2021, supporting back-to-back deployments for the USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT Strike Group during an arduous COVID-19 era. As the Beach Detachment OIC, he successfully managed a Pre-Deployment Sequester, ensuring the squadron’s 250 personnel could operate independently over a 90-day period and deploy COVID-free.
CDR Walroth reported to Helicopter Sea Combat Weapons School Pacific as the Administrative Officer and Chief of Staff Officer from 2021-2024, where he supported 50 personnel setting the standard for 10 Helicopter Sea Combat squadrons tactically employing the MH-60S and MQ-8.
CDR Walroth has flown over 2,000 hours in 7 different aircraft. His awards include a Sikorsky Rescue Award, Pilot of the Year, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (4 awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2 awards), and various campaign, unit and service awards.
Last Updated: 4 April 2024