Andy was born and raised in Northern California. From the age of 11 he knew that he wanted to become a Navy SEAL, and it became the single driving force in his life. He enlisted in the Navy while still a Junior in high school, entering military service in 1996. After completing boot camp he began the most grueling training program in the US Military – Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL, known as BUD/s. Nearly 90% of all candidates are unsuccessful completing the six month program.

Andy graduated and began his SEAL career attached to SEAL Team Five, in Coronado California.

 

In 2002 he screened for and joined the most elite counterterrorism unit in the military, SEAL Team Six.

This unit is tasked with conducting the nation’s most critical missions, many of which have become the focus of Hollywood movies and books. While on a combat deployment an Iraqi insurgent shot Andy at close range with an AK-47. Doctors told him it would be years, if ever, before he recovered the use of his leg and returned to full active duty.

 

In 2006, Andy returned to the Naval Special Warfare Center as the Leading Petty Officer for 2nd Phase BUD/s training. While completing his two year instructor tour, in charge of 13 senior SEAL instructors and 600 students, Andy submitted his package to become a commissioned officer.

 

In 2015, Andy worked as a professional skydiver and BASE Jumper, exiting an aircraft at 36,500ft and breaking 2 World Records while raising 750k for the Navy SEAL Foundation to help fund its enduring support of the Naval Special Warfare Community.

 

In 2017, after a recommendation from the world’s most successful Podcaster, Joe Rogan, Andy created and launched his own show, Cleared Hot. Andy’s podcast has grown and evolved, ranking in the top 1% of all podcasts worldwide.

                                                                                                        

For half of a decade Andy focused on business integration, consulting, and public speaking through his consulting company Razor 01, LLC. During that time he worked with nearly 100 companies, ranging from Fortune 50 to Global brands in the United States, Asia, Europe, and Australia.

 

In 2023 Andy took part in a worldwide expedition called the “Triple 7,” attempting to make seven skydives, on seven continents, in seven days. The expedition was successful, breaking 2 World Records and raising over 500k for Folds of Honor and their educational scholarships for the children of fallen Soldiers and First Responders.

 

In 2024 Andy earned his Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt after training for 5.5 years.

 

In 2025, Andy continued his aviation journey, learning to fly helicopters and adding a rotary wing license to his 3000+ hours of fixed wing aviation experience and Gulfstream G IV and Citation 525S type ratings.

 

In 2026 Andy released his first book, “Drownproof – Eight Life Lessons to Keep Your Head Above Water,” through St. Martin’s Press.