Senior Chief Andrew Zaiger, a native of Oregon, enlisted in the Navy in October 2003 as a Fire Controlman (FC). He attended Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Illinois, followed by FC “A” School in Great Lakes, and then Frigate Display “C” School in Damneck, Virginia.
At sea, he reported to USS INGRAHAM (FFG 61) in Everett, Washington where he served in Combat Systems Department, qualified as Weapons Control Console operator, Combat Systems Officer of the Watch, and Weapons Control Officer. He completed three deployments to U.S. 5th Fleet in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Anti-Piracy Operations. In 2011, he attended AEGIS Computer “C” School and the AEGIS Weapon System supervisor course.
In 2012 he reported to USS RUSSEL (DDG 59) in San Diego, California where he served as CF Leading Petty Officer and assisted with two major ship availabilities and completed a Ballistic Missile Defense 5th Fleet deployment. He also qualified as Combat Systems Coordinator. In 2017 he returned to Dahlgren, Virginia for Baseline 4.0 BMD AWS “C” School where he was advanced and accepted as a Chief Petty Officer.
In 2018 he reported to USS DONALD COOK (DDG 75) in Rota, Spain where he served as CF division Leading Chief Petty Officer, Combat Systems Department Leading Chief Petty Officer, and Combat Systems Maintenance Manager (CSMM). He completed four U.S. 6th Fleet patrols in support of Ballistic Missile Defense operations Sharp Sentry, Atlantic Sentry, and Persistent Effort. He completed a UK led Flag Officer Sea Training (FOST), INSURV, and various NATO and Joint Operations in the Black, Baltic, and Barents Seas.
In his first shore command, he reported to AEGIS Technical Representative in 2022 as the Senior Enlisted Leader and CSMM in which he supports AEGIS Combat System baseline engineering development, integration, testing, and acceptance.
Senior Chief Zaiger is designated as an Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist. His decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (four awards), Navy Good Conduct Medal (five awards) and various unit, campaign, and service awards.