Andrew Nicoletti has over 26 years of aviation experience stemming from two parallel careers: one in the reserve component of the military and the other as a full-time law enforcement aviator. His unique perspective has been shaped by countless law enforcement missions, domestic hurricane responses, inland and ocean rescue operations, as well as three operational military deployments to Iraq, Syria, and other nations in the region. These missions have afforded him the opportunity to train with and operate alongside some of the most elite aviation units and flight departments in the world.

Military Training and Experience:
Andrew served 13 years in the Army (FLARNG), including two combat tours (2011, 2016–2017). He has flown the OH-58 A/C, UH-60A/L, HH-60M/G, and W models. He served as an Air Mission Commander (Army) for complex combat missions during Operations Inherent Resolve, Spartan Shield, and Enduring Freedom. In 2019, he completed a branch transfer to the Air Force to fly Combat Rescue (CSAR). Since then, he has completed another combat deployment to the Iraq/Syria region (2022–2023). His special missions include tactical insertion and extraction, fast rope, rappel, hoist, Bambi bucket, water deployments, sling load, shipboard operations (single/multi-spot), Helicopter Air to Air Refueling (HAAR), aerial gunnery, and aerial platform operations—all conducted with formations of two or more aircraft.

Law Enforcement Experience and Training:
With over 18 years of experience—13 of which were spent flying law enforcement mission sets—Andrew has learned that in public safety aviation, the key lesson is to always be prepared for complex and dynamic calls. Utilizing the training, experience, and knowledge accrued through time in the seat, on the skid, and on the ground, he has created, maintained, instructed, and improved special mission programs that have advanced the capabilities of every agency he has flown for. Working as a line pilot, supervisor, and instructor has given him the insight to view each mission set from multiple perspectives, ensuring that each special missions program is established, maintained, and progresses appropriately—and for the right reasons. Not only is Andrew a subject matter expert in special mission sets, but he has also worked to perfect programs such as search and rescue techniques, Huntsman operations, K9 operations, and surveillance techniques. These programs have significantly contributed to overwhelming mission success for law enforcement crews.

“I firmly believe in the importance of living a life of service. In a world where so much is finite, I hope that when I look back, the legacy I leave—through the family my wife and I built and the good I was able to do for others—will stand as a meaningful contribution to society.

Keeping each other healthy, happy and able to be the best versions of ourselves is not only good for our families, and communities, it’s well deserved. I’m proud to be able to work with our brothers and sisters for such a noble cause.” - Andrew Nicoletti