Maj. Daniel J. Houdek is a native of Quakertown, Pennsylvania.  He attended Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics.  He was commissioned through Carnegie Melon University’s Navy ROTC programas an officer in May 2013. 

Houdek completed the Aircraft Maintenance Officer course at Naval Air Station Whiting Field, Whiting, Florida, in March 2015.

Houdek reported to Marine Corps Air Station New River in March 2015, where he was assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 461 as the material control officer (MCO)/maintenance materiel control officer (MMCO). He managed the maintenance for the squadron’s CH-53Es for almost three years attending two Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course events, both as an MMCO and one as an Advanced Aircraft Maintenance Officer Course student, where he earned the weapons and tactics instructor military occupational specialty. In addition, he led multiple maintenance detachments to include two integrated training exercise events, RAVEN. He then transferred to HMH-464 in January 2018 as the MCO/MMCO where he attended more cold weather training events and eventually accepted career designation and promoted to captain.    

Houdek was assigned to Marine Corps Security Forces Kings Bay, Georgia in July 2018. There he served as a platoon commander, company commander, and company executive officer, earning multiple qualification and leading numerous tactical weapons convoys, both for training purposes and for strategic movements. 

Houdek transferred to Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 14 in May 2021 to serve as the assistant aircraft maintenance officer where he aided in the sundown process for the AV-8B Harrier and helped prepare Marine Air Group 14 for the arrival of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.

He currently serves as executive officer, Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit Cherry Point.

Last Updated: 9 August 2023