CDR Josh Arenstein is a native of the Hoosier state and graduated with a Bachelor of Science from Indiana University in 2001. He holds a master’s certificate in operations research from the Naval Postgraduate School and a master’s degree from National War College.
His operational tours include Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 133 and VAQ-209 involving flight in the EA-6B and EA-18G. While forward deployed with both squadrons he flew in excess of 200 combat missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He also deployed with the I Marine Expeditionary Force as the Electronic Warfare Officer for Regional Command Southwest, Afghanistan.
Ashore, Arenstein served as an EA-6B instructor with VAQ-129 and as a Prowler Tactics Instructor with the Electronic Attack Weapons School. He also served as the Integration and Alignment Branch Head (N802) on the staff of the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations.
He is the recipient of the CDR Willie McCool Leadership award and is authorized to wear the Navy Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal (nine Strike Flight), Joint Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four awards) and other various personal and service awards. He is most proud of his various unit awards, including three Battle “E” and two Golden Wrench awards, reflecting the great squadrons he was privileged to serve with.
CDR Arenstein started his current tour at the College of International Security Affairs July of 2020.