Captain Amy N. Bauernschmidt

Commanding Officer, USS San Diego (LPD 22)

27 October 2020

Capt. Bauernschmidt is a native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin and a 1994 U.S. Naval Academy graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Ocean Engineering. She was designated a naval Aviator in 1996.

After receiving her wings, she reported to Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 45 “Wolfpack” in San Diego deploying with USS John Young (DD 973) in support of maritime interdiction operation in Northern Arabian Gulf.

In February 2001, Bauernschmidt reported to the “Seahawks” of HSL-41, a Naval Air Station North Island Fleet Replacement Squadron in San Diego, serving as an Instructor Pilot and Quality Assurance Officer. In 2004, she was selected as aide-de-camp to Commander, Carrier Strike Group 7 and deployed aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) to the western Pacific Ocean supporting both Northern Edge and Rim of the Pacific exercises.

In 2005, she reported as a department head to the forward deployed HSL-51 “Warlords” in Atsugi, Japan. While there, she deployed aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63). In 2007, she reported to Joint Staff/ J6 in Washington, D.C., where she served as an action officer executive assistant to the Director, J6.

She reported to the “Spartans” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 70 in 2011, as the executive officer, deploying aboard USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. She assumed command of HSM-70 in June 2011, earning the 2011 Admiral Jimmy Thach and Captain Arnold J. Isbell awards for tactical innovation and excellence and the 2012 Battle Efficiency award.

In 2013, she served with the U.S. State Department as the Senior Military Advisor to the Secretary’s Office of Global Women’s Issues, enhancing women’s peace and security through worldwide initiatives. She was then selected for Aviation Nuclear Officer program and upon completion, reported to the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) in September 2016 as the ship’s executive officer.

Bauernschmidt has accumulated over 3,000 flight hours in naval aircraft. Her personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy/Marine Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and various unit, campaign and service medals.