Captain Andrew M. Jones is a retired Navy aviator with thirty years of active and reserve service. He was commissioned in 1984 after earning a B.S. from the University of Mississippi. He flew the E-2C Hawkeye in carrier-based operations and deployments aboard USS Enterprise, USS Independence and other carriers, participating in training, combat and contingency operations, including Operation Praying Mantis in April 1988. He completed numerous deployments supporting major regional operations, including combat missions in Operations SOUTHERN WATCH and IRAQI FREEDOM, and deployed with reserve units to active theaters in support of the Global War on Terror.
After transitioning to the Navy Reserves in 1997, Captain Jones continued to lead reserve maritime and air support missions and operational readiness initiatives across the Asian, African, Mediterranean, and Middle East theaters.
Captain Jones served as Commanding Officer and Officer-in-Charge of multiple reserve units, overseeing mobilization readiness, operational tasking, and expeditionary deployments. Recognized for operational excellence, he received the Legion of Merit, twelve personal commendations, and numerous service and campaign awards.