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Zach “Buddy” Edge

Executive Officer - NTAG Northern Plains

08 September 2022

NTAG Northern Plains
250407-N-TI693-1008 FORT SNELLING, Minn. (April 7, 2025) - Cmdr. Zachary "Buddy" Edge poses for his official photo as the executive officer of Navy Talent Acquisition Group Northern Plains. NTAG Northern Plains is responsible for the U.S. Navy’s enlisted and officer recruiting, covering 393,000 square miles in the states of North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota, and parts of Illinois, Nebraska and Wisconsin. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Fred Gray IV / released)
NTAG Northern Plains
250407-N-TI693-1008
250407-N-TI693-1008 FORT SNELLING, Minn. (April 7, 2025) - Cmdr. Zachary "Buddy" Edge poses for his official photo as the executive officer of Navy Talent Acquisition Group Northern Plains. NTAG Northern Plains is responsible for the U.S. Navy’s enlisted and officer recruiting, covering 393,000 square miles in the states of North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota, and parts of Illinois, Nebraska and Wisconsin. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Fred Gray IV / released)
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Photo By: MC1(SW/AW) Fred Gray IV
VIRIN: 250407-N-TI693-1008

Cmdr. Zach “Buddy” Edge is an Iowa native and 2009 graduate of the United States Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science degree in systems engineering. After graduation, he reported to Naval Air Station Pensacola for Aviation Preflight Indoctrination followed by Naval Air Station (NAS) Corpus Christi for Primary Flight Training with Training Squadron 28 (VT-28) and NAS Whiting Field for advanced flight training with Helicopter Training Squadron Eight (HT-8).  Edge earned his wings of gold in 2012 and proceeded to Naval Station Mayport for fleet replacement training in the MH-60R.

 

Edge completed his first sea duty assignment with Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 46 (HSM-46) at Naval Station Mayport.  There, he deployed aboard USS DeWert (FFG-45) to the 5th Fleet area of operations (AOR) in support of Operation Ocean Shield and Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 (SNMG 1).  He returned to NAS Whiting Field in 2015 as a flight instructor and assistant flight operations officer with Helicopter Training Squadron 28 (HT-28).  In 2018, Edge was assigned to Destroyer Squadron 22 as the future operations officer (N5) and air operations officer, playing a lead role in the planning and execution of multiple U.S. and international exercises.

 

In 2020, Edge reported to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 74 (HSM-74) where he deployed as Combat Element Three officer-in-charge aboard USS Thomas Hudner in support of numerous operations throughout the Fifth and Sixth fleet AORs.  Upon returning home, he served as both the training and maintenance officer.  In 2022, Edge transferred to U.S. Strategic Command at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., as a chief of operations officer and J335 branch chief.  While there, he completed his Masters degree in systems analysis from the Naval Postgraduate School and was selected for special mission command. Edge reported to Navy Talent Acquisition Group Northern Plains in St. Paul, Minn., and will assume the duties and responsibilities as the executive officer in June 2025.

 

His personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (three awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two awards) and various service and unit awards.