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Captain Koehler is from San Diego, CA. He graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a degree in Physics in 1986, was commissioned through Naval ROTC, and designated a Naval Aviator in March of 1989.

Captain Koehler received flight training in the F-14 Tomcat at NAS Miramar with VF-124 "Gun Fighters" ultimately reporting to the VF-211 "Fighting Checkmates "in 1990. In February 1994, he reported to VF-101 "Grim Reapers" at NAS Oceana as a Flight Instructor and Demonstration pilot followed by a Department Head Tour with the VF-41 "Black Aces".

Captain Koehler then earned a Master's Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College in Newport, RI, and attended the Armed Forces Staff College before reporting to the Bureau of Naval Personnel in Millington, TN, in September 1999, as the Tomcat, Super Hornet, and CAG Placement Officer. In November 2001, he rejoined VF-101 as the Executive Officer and held that position until reporting to VF-143 "Pukin' Dogs" in February 2003, as Executive Officer. He commanded the World Famous Pukin' Dogs from July 2004 to October 2005, deploying in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, and ultimately transitioning VFA-143 to the FA-18E Super Hornet. Captain Koehler reported as the Military Assistant/Naval Aide to the Assistant Secretary of the Navy (M&RA) in November of 2005, before being selected to undergo nuclear power training. He served as Executive Officer of USS CARL VINSON (CVN 70) from November 2007 to October 2009.

Captain Koehler commanded USS BATAAN (LHD 5) from February 2010 to August 2011, taking part in Operation UNIFIED RESPONSE, providing emergency disaster relief to Haiti, and Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR supporting Libya contingency operations. Captain Koehler has logged over 500 arrested landings and 3,600 hours in various Naval Aircraft. His personal decorations include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medals, Strike/Flight Air Medals, Navy Marine Corps Commendation Medals, Navy Marine Corps Achievement Medals and numerous unit, service, and campaign awards.