LCDR Dave Flake is a native of Portland, Texas where he graduated from Gregory-Portland High School in 1999. He majored in Criminal Justice while attending college at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi for two years, then enlisted in the Navy in December 2001.
He began his enlisted career as a Patrolman and Watch Commander assigned to CBC Gulfport, Mississippi from June 2002 - May 2005. During this tour he served an Individual Augmentee billet in support of Operation Vigilant Mariner in the C5F/C6F Areas of Responsibility. In June 2005 he reported to USS HARRY S TRUMAN (CVN 75) where he served as Training LPO and Security Operations Chief and completed a Mediterranean Sea/Arabian Gulf Deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. From September 2008-December 2009 he deployed to Kabul, Afghanistan, on a Global War on Terrorism Support Assignment, serving on the Protective Services Detail for Commander, International Security Assistance Forces and in September 2009 attained the rank of Chief Petty Officer. From January 2010 - January 2013, he was assigned to Naval Base Guam where he served as Security Operations Chief and Harbor Security LCPO. From March 2013 - December 2013, he was assigned to NCIS STAAT Pacific, San Diego, CA, where he was selected for commissioning as a Security Limited Duty Officer.
His first commissioned tour was as the Force Protection Officer for Commander, Destroyer Squadron ONE from February 2014 - May 2018. During this tour, he deployed three times with the CARL VINSON STRIKE GROUP, completing a C5F deployment and two WESTPAC deployments. He qualified as a Surface Warfare Officer and gained years of Combat Information Center experience as Sea Combat Commander Tactical Action Officer. In June 2018, he reported to USS MAKIN ISLAND (LHD 8) to serve as Security Officer. He certified MAKIN ISLAND early in Antiterrorism and Corrections with scores of 100%, and as Tactical Action Officer, he was vital to the ship's certifications in Surface Warfare and Air and Missile Defense. In September 2020, LCDR Flake reported to Naval Air Station Key West to serve as Installation Security Officer where he led the installation through numerous incidents and natural disasters. In February 2023, LCDR Flake reported to NAS Sigonella, Italy, where he led his Naval Security Force in achieving the highest CNIC Final Evaluation Program certification score in the Navy. LCDR Flake reported to Marine Corps Security Force Battalion, Kings Bay in November 2024 where he currently serves as the Battalion Executive Officer.
His personal decorations include the Joint Services Commendation Medal, the Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medal (five awards), Navy-Marine Corps Achievement Medal (seven awards), and the Meritorious Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, in addition to numerous unit and campaign awards.