2010 Event Speaker:

Commander Keith Wettschrck, Executive Officer, Naval ROTC at the University of Minnesota

Commander Keith R. Wettschreck
United States Navy

Commander Wettschreck grew up in Bemidji, Minnesota. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1986 with a B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering and was designated a Naval Flight Officer in April 1988.

Commander Wettschreck spent his first sea tour flying the E-2C Hawkeye Airborne Early Warning aircraft with the Seabats of VAW-127 in Norfolk, VA. He made a deployment on the USS CORAL SEA (CV-43) and a four month deployment to Howard Air Force Base, Panama. He also served as squadron NFO NATOPS Officer, Schedules Officer and Legal Officer during his tour.

In June 1991, Commander Wettschreck reported to the Naval Post Graduate School in Monterey, CA. While there, he earned an M.A. in Operational Intelligence and a private pilot’s license through the Navy Flying Club. Upon completion of his tour in Monterey he reported to the Greyhawks of VAW-120 as an instructor.

In May 1994, Commander Wettschreck reported to USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN-73) and served as Training Officer. During this tour he completed two deployments and qualified as Officer-of-the-Deck Underway.

In July 1996, he returned to the Greyhawks of VAW-120 as an instructor and Assistant Training Officer.

In April 1998, Commander Wettschreck reported to the Screwtops of VAW-123 for his department head tour and served as Admin Officer and Maintenance Officer. During this tour he completed an Arabian Gulf deployment on USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67) in support of Operation Southern Watch.

In February 2000, he returned once again to the Greyhawks of VAW-120 as an instructor and Training Officer. In April 2001, he reported to the Joint Staff J3, Operations Directorate, as an action officer working in the Space and Missile Defense Division.

Commander Wettschreck reported to USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN-75) as the Air Operations Officer in April 2004 where he completed an Arabian Gulf Deployment. In August 2007 he reported to the University of Minnesota ROTC Unit as the Executive Officer.

Commander Wettschreck’s personal decorations include the Joint Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (five awards) and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (three awards).

He is married to the former Theresa Zachman of Bemidji, Minnesota, and has one son, Michael, and one daughter, Anne.

CDR Wettschreck and Jon Lindstrand at the 2010 Event.