Colonel Nathan Surrey

Colonel Nate Surrey is from Lucasville, Ohio. He commissioned as an Aviation officer from the United States Military Academy in 1998. COL Surrey most recently served as the Senior Aviation Officer in the 11th Airborne Division (Arctic) at Fort Wainwright, Alaska.

COL Surrey served in multiple staff and leadership positions to include Support and Flight Platoon Leader in United States Army Alaska (USARAK); UH-60 Assault and Aviation Maintenance Company commands in the 3rd Infantry Division; Aviation Intermediate Maintenance (AVIM) Company Command, Aviation Task Force Operations Officer (S3) and Combat Aviation Brigade Executive Officer (XO) in the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault); Professor of Military Science at University of Louisville; Chief of the Strategy and Plans Directorate, Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve; Commander of 3-227th Assault Helicopter Battalion in the 1st Cavalry Division; Utility / Cargo Helicopter Action Officer in the HQDA G-3/5/7 Army Aviation Directorate and later Chief of the Army Protection Division (G-34) in the HQDA G-3/5/7 Operations, Readiness, and Mobilization Directorate at the Pentagon; and Commander of U.S. Army Garrison Alaska responsible for the support, sustainment, and protection of Fort Wainwright and Fort Greely.

COL Surrey completed combat tours in Iraq (2005 & 2007-08) and Afghanistan in 2011. He completed operational deployments to the Caribbean – Drug Interdiction in 2006, Operation Inherent Resolve in Kuwait from 2015-16, and Operation Atlantic Resolve in Europe from 2017-18.

COL Surrey’s military education includes the Aviation Officer Basic Course, UH60 A/L/M Blackhawk Helicopter Qualification Courses, Engineer Captains Career Course, and the Command and General Staff College. He earned engineering management degrees from the United States Military Academy (BS) and Missouri University of Science & Technology (MS). He is a graduate of the National War College earning a Master of Science degree in National Security Strategy.

His awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star (2), Meritorious Service Medal (7), Air Medal (2), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal (2), Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Valorous Unit Award, Meritorious Unit Commendation (2), Master Aviator Badge, Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge, Army Staff Identification Badge, and is a member of the Honorable Order of Saint Michael (Silver). COL Surrey was a member of the U.S. Army Rugby team for 3 years - two time Armed Forces champion.

COL Surrey is married to Colonel retired Alicia Surrey, Army Nurse Corps. The Surreys have three daughters.