Rear Admiral David Faehnle was born in Columbus, Ohio, and raised in Austin, Texas. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1995 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Aerospace Engineering and a commission as an Ensign in the United States Navy. He holds a Master of Arts degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island.
Faehnle served sea tours with VF-143 and VF-31, flying the F-14 Tomcat. His shore tour was as a Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor (SFTI) at Strike Fighter Weapons School, Atlantic, where he served as the Training Officer and Surface-to-Air Counter Tactics Subject Matter Expert. He flew combat missions in support of Operation Southern Watch and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Faehnle also served tours as Assistant Training Officer for NR 7th Fleet DET 111, and Operations and Maintenance Department Heads with VFA-204, flying the FA-18A+ Hornet.
Faehnle has served command tours as the CO of VFC-111 flying the F-5N Tiger II, the Reserve Component Commander for Training Air Wing Four at NAS Corpus Christi flying the T-6B Texan II, CO of NR CSG 5 supporting Commander, CTF 70, onboard the USS Ronald Reagan forward deployed to NS Yokosuka, Japan, and CO of NR CNE-CNA-C6F DET 802 supporting the Commander, Naval Forces Europe, Africa, and U.S. 6th Fleet with headquarters at NS Naples, Italy. While in command of VFC-111, the squadron was awarded the Battle “E”, Maintenance Excellence “Golden Wrench”, and Safety “S” awards. Faehnle was mobilized for active duty and served as installation commanding officer of Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Africa, in 2021-2022.
His previous flag assignment was Deputy Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic.
Faehnle has accumulated over 3,400 flight hours, 410 carrier arrested landings, and 35 combat missions in Navy aircraft. He has been awarded the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, and numerous other personal and unit awards.
Faehnle assume command as the 94th Commandant of Naval District Washington in July 2024.