Rear Adm. Andrew Burcher is a native of Alexandria, Virginia. He is a 1988 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, a Masters of Business Administration from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, a Juris Doctor from the University of Richmond and graduated from various programs from the Navy Post Graduate School, Naval War College and Joint Forces Staff College.

His active duty tours include serving on the commissioning crew of USS Alexandria (SSN 757) from March 1990 through January 1993. During this period he deployed on USS Dallas (SSN 700) and USS Topeka (SSN 754). Upon completion of his junior officer submarine tour, Burcher taught submarine tactics for the Prospective Commanding Officer/Executive Officer and Submarine Officer Advanced Course at the Naval Submarine School, New London, Connecticut, from January 1993 through October 1994.

After attending law school, Burcher became a selected reservist in 1999 and served in various submarine and fleet related units including, Battle Group Operations Detachment (Det.) 306, Strike Group Operations Det. B, Commander Task Force 84, Submarine Force Operations Det. B Undersea Warfare Operations Det. L, Diesel Electric Submarine Initiative, Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet, NATO Allied Command for Transformation Det. District of Columbia and Commander Naval Installations Command. Burcher has commanded four of these units. As well, Burcher served as chief of staff of the 1,650 members of the Submarine Force Reserves and was the deputy commander for the Navy Emergency Preparedness Liaison Officer Program.

Burcher’s flag assignments include deputy commander Submarine Force Atlantic, deputy commander Submarine Force Pacific and vice director Navy Staff. Burcher also served as an airborne emergency action officer (AEAO) at U.S. Strategic Command for Operation Looking Glass and as commander, Submarines NATO. He currently serves as vice commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command.

Burcher’s decorations include Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit (two awards), Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), Navy Commendation Medal (two awards), Navy Achievement Medal (four awards) and various other campaign and service ribbons and medals.

Last Updated: 1 March 2024