Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Apetz is a native of Lincoln, Nebraska. He was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in July 2003 after graduating from Bethany College with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice/Pre-Law. He graduated The Basic School (TBS) in June 2004.  Following TBS, Lieutenant Colonel Apetz attended flight school in Corpus Christi, TX and Pensacola, FL and was designated a Naval Aviator in February 2006.

In July 2006, upon completion of the AH-1W Fleet Replacement Squadron at Marine Helicopter Training Squadron 303 (HMT-303), Lieutenant Colonel Apetz reported to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 269 (HMLA-269) at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River. In February 2007, he deployed to Al Asad Airbase in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM (OIF). In November 2008, Lieutenant Colonel Apetz deployed with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 264 (HMM-264 ) (REIN) as part of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit participating in Exercises RED REEF in Saudi Arabia and IRON MAGIC in the United Arab Emirates.  In September 2009, Lieutenant Colonel Apetz attended the Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) Course 1-10.  Lieutenant Colonel Apetz served as Adjutant, Pilot Training Officer, Standardization Officer, Future Operations Officer, and Assistant Operations Officer.

In April 2011, Lieutenant Colonel Apetz reported for duty at 2nd Marine Special Operations Battalion (MSOB), Marine Special Operations Command (MARSOC) at Stone Bay, Camp Lejeune, NC.  In January 2012, he deployed with Marine Special Operations Team 8233, Hotel Company, 2nd MSOB to Badghis and Helmand Provinces, Afghanistan in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM (OEF).  Following the OEF deployment Lieutenant Colonel Apetz reported to MARSOC headquarters as the Joint Tactical Air Control Party Program Manager.

In July 2014, Lieutenant Colonel Apetz reported to Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1), MCAS Yuma, for duty as the Air Officer Instructor. He served as the Air Officer Department Head, Close Air Support Subject Matter Expert, AH Division Augment Instructor, Forward Air Controller, Range Officer Safety Officer. 

In June 2017, Lieutenant Colonel Apetz reported to HMLA-269 serving as the Department of Safety Department Head.  In May 2018, Lieutenant Colonel Apetz reported to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 264 (VMM-264) (Rein) as part of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit serving as the Aviation Combat Element Executive Officer and HMLA detachment OIC.  In December 2018, he deployed aboard the USS ARLINGTON participating in Exercise ALEXANDER THE GREAT in Volos, Greece and conducted combat operations in Libya in support of Operation ODYSSEY RESOLVE.

In September 2019, Lieutenant Colonel Apetz reported to Marine Forces Europe and Africa (MARFOREUR/AF) as the Aviation Operations Officer and Current Operations Officer.  

In June 2022, Lieutenant Colonel Apetz reported to Marine Aircraft Group 41 and was assigned as the Executive Officer, MAG-41 Headquarters Site Commander and conversion to the C-40A Clipper.

Lieutenant Colonel Apetz’ personal awards include Meritorious Service Medal with two stars, Air Medal with Strike/Flight Numeral 3, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat Valor and gold star, Humanitarian Service Medal, and Combat Action Ribbon.