Capt. Betz, a native of Ohio, graduated from Miami University of Ohio in 2001 with a degree in Political Science. He was commissioned through the university's Naval ROTC program. He holds a master’s degree in Regional Studies from Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, where he earned the prestigious Louis D. Liskin Award for Excellence in Regional Security Studies.  

During his first afloat assignment aboard USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49), he served as the repair division officer and the machinery division officer. In 2002, the crew of the USS Harpers Ferry conducted a hull swap with USS Germantown (LSD 42), based at Sasebo, Japan. He served as the machinery division officer and later as the electrical officer aboard USS Germantown, deploying in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in the fall of 2003. In 2004, he was assigned to Pre-Commissioning Unit USS Nitze (DDG 94) in Bath, Maine as the strike officer. After the Nitze was commissioned in March 2005, he served as the weapons officer.

 As a department head Betz served as the combat systems officer aboard USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), deploying in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. The Kearsarge was activated as the task force commander for Operation Odyssey Dawn in Libya. Betz was then assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 22 as the staff director from 2011 to 2013, deploying as part of the George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group.  

During his tour as executive officer and commanding officer of USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44), Betz deployed in support of Unitas 2018 and Exercise Trident Juncture 2018. After completing an extensive yard period and basic phase, the Gunston Hall received the 2021 “Battle E” award.

Ashore, Betz served at U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/U.S. 5th Fleet; as the flag aide to the deputy commander at U.S. Fleet Forces Command (USFFC); and at the Combined Joint Operations from the Sea Centre of Excellence, a NATO-sponsored think tank attached to the USFFC staff. He then served as the N77 director for Surface Warfare Schools Command Engineering Learning Site Norfolk before being assigned to command Mariner Skills Training Center Atlantic.

His personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two awards), Meritorious Unit Commendation (two awards) and a Navy Unit Commendation.

Last Updated: 14 February 2023