Cmdr. Douglas A. Kesterson, a native of San Antonio, Texas, enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1999 as an aviation ordnance technician. He was commissioned through the Limited Duty Officer (LDO) program in October 2011.  He holds a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Brandman University.

His enlisted assignments include Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 83; Strike Fighter Weapon School, Atlantic weapons loading instructor/inspector; VFA-131 where he made chief petty officer and then commissioned.

Upon commissioning, his operational tours included USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74); weapons elevator officer and quality assurance officer; Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2; weapons officer, USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69); ordnance handling officer.

His shore tours include: Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron (MALS) 24; weapons department head, Strike Fighter Wing Pacific; weapons officer; Navy Personnel Command; LDO/chief warrant officer assignments officer (detailer).

He reported to Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit Oceana as executive officer in April 2026.

His personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (six awards), the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (six awards), and various unit and campaign awards.  
 

Last Updated: 17 April 2026