A native of Randolph, New York, Dexter graduated from Roberts Wesleyan College in May 1995 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology. He enlisted in the Navy in May 1996 and later earned his commission via Officer Candidate School in February 2000. Dexter earned his Naval Aviator wings in September 2001 and completed initial training as an H60-F/H pilot at Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) Ten at NAS North Island, San Diego, California in 2002.
Dexter reported to the "Dusty Dogs" of HS-7 at NAS Jacksonville, Florida in July 2002 for his initial sea tour. He completed two deployments with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) Three aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. In January 2006, Dexter reported to HS-10 Expeditionary Sea Combat Unit Two and deployed aboard USS Chung Hoon (DDG 93), USS Momsen (DDG 92), and USNS Stockham (TAK 3017) in support of Operation Enduring Freedom Philippines. Upon return, he became a Fleet Replacement Squadron instructor pilot at HS-10 for shore duty. In August 2008, he accepted a Global Support Assignment in the J5 Directorate with the Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa and deployed to Djibouti, Africa from January 2009 to February 2010.
Dexter reported to the "Red Lions" of HS-15 for his department head tour in July 2010. As a member of CVW-17 aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) he completed back-to-back deployments in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation New Dawn in 2011 and 2012. In 2013, Dexter attended the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island. He received his master’s degree in National Security and Strategic Studies in March 2014. He then reported to U.S. Pacific Command Joint Intelligence Operation Center to serve as a J2 senior watch officer and supervisor of the J2 watch. During this tour, he attained the joint qualified officer designation, and was selected for Helicopter Sea Combat (HSC) Squadron operational command. In July 2016, Dexter reported to the "Tridents" of HSC-9 as executive officer and deployed in 2017 with CVW-8 aboard USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77) in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. In October 2017, he assumed command of HSC-9 which was awarded as the Helicopter Sea Combat Wing-Atlantic Battle “E” squadron. After completing his tour as commanding officer in January 2019, Dexter served as operations officer aboard USS George Washington. He then served as branch head at U.S. Fleet Forces Command.
In February 2024, Dexter assumed the duties of executive officer for Naval Air Station Jacksonville.
Dexter’s awards include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Air Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (three awards), Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (three awards). He has accumulated over 3,100 flight hours, with more than 2,900 hours in the H60- F/H/S aircraft.
Last Updated: 29 February 2024