Newt McKissick

Captain Newt McKissick serves as the Senior Military Advisor of the Energy Portfolio at the Department of Defense (DoD) Defense Innovation Unit (DIU). In this role, Captain McKissick supports the Energy Portfolio in delivering strategic energy capabilities to the military by accelerating the adoption of commercial technology and strengthening the national security innovation base. The Energy Portfolio is focused on two primary lines of effort: Installation Resilience and Operational Energy.

Captain McKissick of McKinney, Texas graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and was commissioned an Ensign in May 1999. He reported to Pensacola, Florida for flight training and was designated a Naval Aviator in August 2001. He flew the SH-60B Seahawk as part of the Grandmasters of HSL-46 at NS Mayport deploying in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. In August 2005, Captain McKissick was assigned to Helicopter Maritime Strike Weapons School Wing Atlantic and achieved the designation of Seahawk Weapons and Tactics Instructor In 2008, following transition training for the MH-60R Seahawk, he reported to the Spartans of HSM-70 in Jacksonville, Florida. In 2016, Captain McKissick reported to the Saberhawks of HSM-77 as the Executive Officer then Commanding officer in Atsugi, Japan. There he completed five patrols in support of Battle Force SEVENTH FLEET.

Captain McKissick has been assigned to the Pentagon in support of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Financial Management & Comptroller (FMB). There his duties involved the budgeting of all procurement and research and development (RDTEN) for naval aviation. He next served as the Deputy Director of the Navy Appropriations Matters Office (FMBE) supporting relationships with House and Senate Appropriations Committees and their staff. He then commanded Naval Base Coronado in San Diego consisting of 9 separate installations encompassing 150 tenant commands and over 40,000 personnel.

He is a graduate of the Naval Postgraduate School, earning an Executive Master of Business Administration degree, and the Naval War College in Newport, RI earning a Master of Arts degree in National Security and Strategic Studies.

Captain McKissick has flown more than 3,000 flight hours. He has been recognized as Squadron Pilot of the Year, HSL Wing Pilot of the year and received the peer-nominated Commander Naval Air Forces Leadership Award. His personal awards include the Legion of Merit (two awards), the Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four awards), the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (four awards), and various unit commendations, service and campaign awards.