Capt. Ryan Dexter recently took command of the naval air station after serving as the station’s executive officer since February 2024. Dexter took command from Capt. Greg deWindt during a recent change of command ceremony at the base.

Dexter is a Randolph native who graduated from Roberts Wesleyan College in May 1995 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology.

“This base has been here over 85 years now and I’m the 53rd person to do it so it’s a huge honor,” Dexter told television station WOKV. “It’s a huge base and, as I said in my remarks, this town loves this base and it supports the sailors and civilians here more than any other town I’ve ever seen, so it’s great to be here.”

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, Calif., in 2002.

Ryan Dexter is pictured with his wife and children after a change of command ceremony recently at Naval Air Station Jacksonville.

Dexter reported to the “Dusty Dogs” of HS-7 at NAS Jacksonville, Fla., in July 2002 for his initial sea tour. He completed two deployments with Carrier Air Wing Three aboard USS Harry S. Truman 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, USS Momsen and USNS Stockham 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, Dexter 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, R.I. 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 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 NAS Jacksonville.

Taking over as the NAS Jax executive officer following the change of command is Capt. Michael Bukolt.

Ryan Dexter salutes after formally accepting command during a change of command ceremony recently at Naval Air Station Jacksonville.

NAS Jacksonville includes more than 110 tenant commands including 17 squadrons, 22,000 civilians and sailors, along with their families. Capt. deWindt masterfully ensured the largest installation in the Navy Region Southeast, and third largest in the Navy, delivered the most effective and efficient readiness from the shore by setting the highest standards of excellence.

Fully embracing the Chief of Naval Operation’s “Get Real, Get Better” initiative, he initiated two area development plans designed to reduce the aging installation footprint by 10 percent over 10 years and increase warfighter lethality within existing facilities and provided the flexibility to grow. He led the effort to establish the Compass Rose ministry initiative, partnering with local organizations to offer monthly Food Farmacy events distributing groceries to over 1,500 military families.

During deWindt’s leadership, The Navy’s Master Antisubmarine Warfare base flourished under his charge, conducting over 78,000 flight operations in support of 16 home ported squadrons, transient aircraft, Chief of Naval Air Training detachments, and Carrier Air Wing exercises.

His efforts directly led to accolades including NAS Jacksonville’s selection as 2024 Commander, Navy Installations Command Installation Excellence Award winner and the 2024 Retention Excellence Award.

Capt. deWindt also led the station during the 2024 air show featuring the Blue Angels which hosted over 350,000 spectators, breaking attendance records with no mishaps or security issues.

He will continue his 34 years of service as the Navy Closure Task Force – Red Hill Chief of Staff in Oahu, Hawaii.

“It’s a transition of authority. It’s as much for the sailors and crew and the folks to say ‘we’re passing the baton of authority on to the next person,'” deWindt told WOKV. “I have the confidence in (Captain Dexter) to be able to take over; they should have the same confidence as well.”