Andrew James Vestal

Andrew James Vestal, 33, passed away after suffering a coronary event on Monday, September 25, 2023. Andy is survived by his parents, James & Julie Vestal; Grandfathers, James Vestal and Joseph M. Quinn Jr., and his brother, Aaron Rice. He was preceded in death by his grandmothers, Doris Vestal and Carole Quinn. Petty Officer Vestal graduated with his Bachelor’s Degree from Southeast Missouri State University in 2013. Answering the call, he chose to enlist in the United States Navy on November 14th, 2013. After graduating from the Cryptologic Technician “A” School, he was immediately selected for the National Security Agency’s Global Targeting And Tracking Center in Colorado. In August 2015, he screened and was selected for the US Navy’s Tactical Information Operations (TIO) Program, and was assigned to Special Reconnaissance Team ONE in San Diego, California. As a quiet, dedicated professional, he qualified as both a Geospatial Analyst / Small Unmanned Radio Frequency Receiver operator and as a TIO Operator, providing direct support to Naval Special Warfare. He led his operational team through multiple deployments, including those with SEAL Teams ONE and SEVEN in the CENTCOM and INDOPACOM areas of responsibility. His leadership and expertise were instrumental in dismantling terror networks and removing violent extremists from the battlefield. Having completed his tours with Naval Special Warfare, he was selected for duty with the US Navy’s Third Fleet in San Diego, CA, in 2021. CTR1 Vestal was an invaluable member of the Intelligence and Information Operations directorate. His deep experience in tactical Signals Intelligence and operational focus made him a natural and gifted Special Intelligence Correlator (SICOR) on the THIRD FLEET Battlespace Awareness Watch, where he provided critical indications and warning intelligence to the Three-Star Fleet Staff, as well as to subordinate units across the entire Pacific basin. A senior analyst, he had recently been assigned to the Cryptologic Analysis Support Element (CASE) at THIRD FLEET, providing deeper levels of analytic rigor to the FLEET’s collection tasking and performance. Petty Officer Vestal was among our top analysts, a leader among our cryptologic team, and a mentor to junior Sailors throughout the command. He was our Shipmate.” A visitation will be held from 10:00-11:30 AM with a Celebration of Life beginning at 11:30 AM Friday, October 13, 2023 at the Maple Hill Funeral Home in Kansas City, Kansas. Burial with Military Honors will begin at 1:30 PM at Leavenworth National Cemetery in Leavenworth, Kansas.

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Andrew James Vestal

February 4, 1990 - September 25, 2023