Colonel Koch was born and raised in Akron, OH. He was commissioned into the Marine Corps upon graduation from the United States Naval Academy in 1996 with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Naval Architecture.
First Lieutenant Koch was designated a Naval Aviator in September 1999 and reported to HMM(T)-164, MCAS Camp Pendleton, CA for training in the CH-46E and subsequent assignment to HMM-162, MAG-29, MCAS New River, NC in February 2000. While assigned to HMM-162, Captain Koch completed a deployment with the 22d MEU(SOC) and participated in Operation ENDURING FREEDOM / IRAQI FREEDOM as part of the 2d Marine Expeditionary Brigade and 3d MAW. Captain Koch graduated from Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course 1-03.
In February 2004, Captain Koch transferred to the 2d Air-Naval Gunfire Liaison Company (ANGLICO), Camp Lejeune, NC following its reactivation, serving in a variety of operational and staff billets. He led a multi-national team during NATO Exercise MAJESTIC EAGLE 04 and deployed twice in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, supporting the 2d Brigade Combat Team, 2d Infantry Division (US Army) in Ar Ramadi, 1st Force Reconnaissance Company, and served on the Company staff at Al Asad.
In October 2006, Major Koch reported to VMMT-204, MCAS New River, NC for MV-22 transition training with follow-on assignment to VMX-22 in May 2007. During this tour, he served as the Operational Test Director for various programs to include the Joint Mission Planning System and the Interim Defensive Weapons System, as well as coordinating V-22 Alternate Insertion/Extraction and Visit, Board, Search and Seizure certification in support of the first MV-22 MEU deployment.
In December 2009, Major Koch transferred to VMM-264 as the Director of Safety and Standardization, followed by assignment as the Operations Officer during the squadron’s transition to the MV-22 and subsequent Operation ENDURING FREEDOM 11.1 deployment to Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Upon return, he assumed duties as the squadron Executive Officer.
In July 2012, Major Koch received orders to Headquarters Marine Corps, Department of Aviation as the MV-22 Plans, Policy, and Budget (APP) action officer.
In August 2013, Lieutenant Colonel Koch was reassigned to Marine Aircraft Group-26, MCAS New River, NC, serving as the Executive Officer prior to taking command of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM)-162 in April 2014.
Lieutenant Colonel Koch commanded VMM-162 (Reinforced) for the conclusion of their deployment as the Aviation Combat Element for Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force – Crisis Response – AFRICOM, supporting Operation OAKEN LOTUS through July 2014, including support to the military assisted departure of the US Embassy – Tripoli. Upon redeployment, the squadron immediately began training for service as the Aviation Combat Element of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, deploying to Sixth Fleet and Central Command from October 2015 through May 2016. This deployment included support to Operation INHERENT RESOLVE along with numerous bi-lateral theater security cooperation exercise.
Upon relinquishing command in June 2016, Lieutenant Colonel Koch attended the Naval War College, Newport, RI; graduating with distinction in June 2017 and earning a Master’s degree in National Security and Strategic Studies.
From August 2017 through May 2020, Colonel Koch was assigned to the Joint Staff, J7/Joint Training, serving as a Plans and Assessments Observer-Trainer and Team Chief within the Deployable Training Division. During this tour, he was designated a Joint Qualified Officer while supporting the CJCS’s Joint Exercise Program at the Joint Task Force, Combatant Command, and Joint Staff level, focusing on Global Integration and emerging operational concepts.
Colonel Koch’s personal decorations include the Purple Heart, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (third award), Air Medal (Strike/Flight Numeral 8), and the Combat Action Ribbon.