CAPTAIN JOSH FAGAN
Incoming US Naval Attaché to Australia

CAPT Josh Fagan received his commission from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1999. In 2012, he earned a Master of Science in Space Studies from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and in 2013 a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from the US Naval War College. 

As a naval aviator, he flew HH-60H, SH-60F, and MH-60S helicopters from carriers and forward deployed detachments ashore, deploying to the Western Pacific and the Arabian Gulf in support of coalition forces during Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom and New Dawn. 

Operationally, He served with the “Black Knights” of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Four (HS-4), the “Red Wolves” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron Eight Four (HSC-84), and the forward-deployed staff of Commander, Task Force SEVEN ZERO (CTF70) and Carrier Strike Group FIVE. 

On shore, he served as an Air Force acquisitions officer and program manager for engine upgrades and glass cockpit modernization programs for the KC-135 and AWACS aircraft; as a joint exercise planner at U.S. Cyber Command; as executive officer and commanding officer of Helicopter Sea Combat Weapons School Pacific; and as a military professor in the Strategy and Policy (S&P) department of the US Naval War College. CAPT Fagan’s most recent tour was at NATO Headquarters, in the Cooperative Security Division of the International Military Staff, as Section Head for Partnership Policies and Programs. 

In addition to various campaign, service, and unit awards, CAPT Fagan’s personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Strike Flight Air Medal (four awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (two awards), and the Air Force Commendation and Achievement Medals. 

CAPTAIN KEVIN “Q” QUARDERER
US Naval Attaché to Australia

CAPT Kevin Quarderer graduated from the University of Michigan with B.S. and M.S. degrees in aerospace engineering. Before joining the Navy, he worked for Dow Chemical, NASA, and as a high school teacher. In 1993 he commissioned from Aviation Officer Candidate School as a Distinguished Graduate. He completed flight training as the Jet Navigator of the year and designated as a Naval Flight Officer in the S-3B Viking. 

He deployed twice to the Persian Gulf and Pacific Rim aboard USS Carl Vinson and USS Lincoln supporting Operation Southern Watch combat operations. CAPT Quarderer was awarded the Pacific Fleet Naval Flight Officer of the year and selected to Navy Test Pilot School. His flight test responsibilities included precision weapon and counter-drug upgrades. He earned a second Master’s degree from the University of Tennessee and selected to the Acquisition Professional Community. 

His first Staff tour was with the Enterprise Carrier Strike Group, serving as Battle Watch Captain and Innovation Officer. Hemade two combat deployments to the Persian Gulf supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom; then to the Mediterranean in support of NATO exercises. Concurrently, CAPT Quarderer was selected as a CNO Service Chief Intern to the Defense Advanced Research Project Agency and has supported DARPA projects since that time. In 2004, he graduated as aWeapons Tactics Instructor. CAPT Quarderer served as Tactics and Operations Officer and deployed to the Persian Gulf and Curacao in support of OIF and counter-drug operations. He was awarded the Viking Naval Flight Officer of the year. 

During his Joint staff tour, CAPT Quarderer served at US Southern Command with the Commander’s Action Group as the Innovation Officer. He managed numerous unmanned programs, counter-drug and narco-terrorism technologies, deployed throughout Latin America, and graduated from the Navy War College. Following this tour, he commanded Training Squadrons VT-10 and VT-4. The squadrons earned the SECNAV Safety, Admiral Towers, Sloan Workplace, and Ellyson Aviator Production awards. 

He subsequently rejoined the acquisition workforce as a Program Manager for precision weapons as part of an accelerated Navy/ DARPA / Air Force acquisition program. CAPT Quarderer then served as the Commanding Officer of ONR Global with offices around the world, a robust portfolio of international grants, bilateral technical agreements, plus fleet and forces support personnel. 

CAPT Quarderer served as the U.S. Naval Attaché to the United Kingdom, then transferred to US Embassy Canberra in July 2022 as the Naval Attaché to Australia. He has authored numerous tactical and technical publications, holds a variety of acquisition qualifications, a grant warrant, and managed numerous S&T/R&D programs. He has flown over 4,000 flight hours in 72 different aircraft. His awards include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, and various unit and campaign decorations. He and his wife Janell will reside in Canberra, proud parents of three energetic sons, Dain (1LT USMC), Joshua, and Luke. He is an avid runner, skier, and traveler.