Lt. Cmdr. Dylan “Joose” Phillips-Levine, a native of Orange County, California, attended the United States Merchant Marine Academy and commissioned as an Ensign in 2009. He reported for flight training in Pensacola, Florida and earned his “Wings of Gold” in September of 2011.
Following flight training, Phillips-Levine reported to the HSM-46 "Grandmasters" in Mayport, Florida for his first operational tour flying the MH-60R “Seahawk” where he served as squadron quality assurance officer.
In September 2015, Phillips-Levine transferred to Naval Primary Flight School in VT-6 and instructed in the T-6B “Texan II.” After VT-6, Phillips-Levine reported to the Defense Language Institute and attended the Spanish special projects class in Monterey, California.
After graduation, Phillips-Levine reported to the Argentine Naval Flight School and served as an exchange instructor pilot in the T-34C-1 “Turbo Mentor” until July of 2021 in la Escuela de Aviación Naval.
Following that tour, Phillips-Levine reported to Tactical Air Control Squadron Twelve and served as a tactical air control center watch officer.
He currently serves as Executive Officer of Naval Air Station Kingsville and instructs part time. He holds FAA Certifications for rotary wing and fixed wing with an airline transport pilot rating.
Phillips-Levine graduated with distinction from the Naval War College of Distance Education.
He has authored and co-authored numerous articles that cover critical naval aviation issues.
Phillips-Levine’s personal awards include a Navy Commendation Medal (two awards) and Navy Achievement Medal (two awards).
He has a three-year-old son named Ari.
Last Updated: 9 May 2025