Tim Pfannenstein, a native of Saint Cloud, Minnesota, enlisted in the Navy in August 1978. In 1980, following training as an Aviation Electronics Technician, he reported to Patrol Squadron (VP) 1. Subsequent enlisted tours include serving as an instructor at Naval Air Technical Training Center and assignment to Patrol Squadron (VP) 26. Pfannenstein received his commission via Aviation Officer Candidate School in 1990 and was designated an Aviation Maintenance Officer. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management, and a Master of Arts Degree in Education.
At sea, he served as maintenance material control officer and detachment maintenance officer at Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron (VQ) 1 in support of Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield; maintenance/material control officer and assistant maintenance officer at Sea Control Squadron (VS) 3 and deployed aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73) and USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74); maintenance material control officer aboard USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) in support of Operation Enduring Freedom; and as Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department, department head, aboard Stennis.
His shore tours included serving as readiness officer for Commander Sea Control Wing; Aircraft Intermediate material control officer for Naval Air Station (NAS) Jacksonville; officer-in-charge and aircraft intermediate maintenance officer for Sea Control Wing US. Atlantic Fleet; engine deputy assistant program manager, logistics and military integrated product team lead for E-2/C-2 Airborne Command and Control Systems Program Office (PMA-231); production officer for Fleet Readiness Center Southeast (FRCSE); director of depot operations and assistant chief of staff (N42) for Commander, Fleet Readiness Centers (COMFRC); executive officer and the 61
st commanding officer of Fleet Readiness Center Southwest (FRCSW); and executive director of industrial operations Naval Air Systems Command AIR 6.0B where he retired in 2018 after a 40-year military career.
His federal service includes serving as NAVAIR Sustainment Group Chief of Staff, and Fleet Support Team (FST) group director for FRCSE.
Pfannenstein assumed his current role as executive director of Fleet Readiness Center Southeast in May 2023.
He holds Level III certifications in both Life Cycle Logistics and Production Quality Management and is also a certified Electronics Mechanic Journeyman. Pfannenstein is the recipient of numerous military awards, medals and commendations, notably, the Military Legion of Merit, Stan Arthur Award for Logistics Management Excellence, USS John C. Stennis “Straight Furrow” Award for Leadership, Commander, Naval Air Forces Leadership Award and Naval Air Systems Command Logistician of the Year.