Stephen T. Koehler

Stephen Thomas Koehler (born 15 April 1964) is a United States Navy admiral who serves as the commander of the United States Pacific Fleet. He previously served as the director for strategy, plans, and policy of the Joint Staff from 2022 to 2024 and as commander of the United States Third Fleet from 2021 to 2022.

Early life and education Koehler was born in Norfolk, Virginia, He earned a Bachelor of Science in Physics from the University of Colorado Boulder in 1986. Koehler holds a master's degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College and also graduated from the Joint Staff College and the Navy Nuclear Power Program.

Naval career Koehler was commissioned through the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) in 1986 and designated a naval aviator in March 1989. His command tours include the Pukin' Dogs of Fighter Squadron (VF/VFA) 143, , , and Carrier Strike Group 9. Other seaborne assignments include tours in Fighter Squadron (VF) 211, VF-41 and executive officer of the . He was the Director of Operations of the United States Indo-Pacific Command from June 2018 to October 2020.

Koehler, right, commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet, and Vice Adm. Scott D. Conn cut a cake after their change of command ceremony on Naval Base Point Loma, 3 June 2021.

Koehler was originally slated to replace Andrew L. Lewis as commander of the United States Second Fleet and Joint Force Command Norfolk in March 2020; despite being confirmed by the Senate, he did not assume command.

In April 2022, Koehler was nominated for assignment as director for strategy, plans, and policy of the Joint Staff and senior member of the Military Staff Committee of the United Nations.

In July 2023, Koehler was nominated for promotion to admiral with assignment as commander of the United States Pacific Fleet.

Awards and decorations

Naval Aviator's BadgeDefense Distinguished Service MedalNavy Distinguished Service Medal Defense Superior Service Medal with one bronze oak leaf clusterLegion of Merit with four gold award starsMeritorious Service Medal with three award starsAir Medal with strike/flight numeral "2" deviceNavy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with three award starsNavy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with award starJoint Meritorious Unit AwardNavy Meritorious Unit Commendation with two bronze service starsNavy "E" Ribbon with three Battle E devicesNational Defense Service Medal with service starArmed Forces Expeditionary MedalSouthwest Asia Service Medal with service starIraq Campaign Medal with two service starsGlobal War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal with two service starsGlobal War on Terrorism Service MedalArmed Forces Service Medal with service starHumanitarian Service MedalNavy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with one silver and one bronze service starNavy and Marine Corps Overseas Service RibbonNATO Medal Ribbon (non-Article 5) Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait)Navy Expert Rifleman MedalNavy Expert Pistol Shot MedalCommand at Sea insignia