Commanding Officer
Cmdr. Eric D. Severson
Cmdr. Eric D. Severson is a native of Anaheim, California. He graduated with merit from the United States Naval Academy in 2002 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Following flight training in Pensacola and Corpus Christi he was designated a naval aviator in 2004.
He reported to Helicopter Combat Support Squadron (HC) 3 for initial fleet replacement training in the MH-60S helicopter. His first fleet squadron was Helicopter Combat Support Squadron (HC) 11 where he assisted in the squadron’s transition to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 21. While at HSC-21, he deployed twice to Kuwait with the 2515th Naval Air Ambulance Detachment (NAAD) in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
In 2008, Severson was designated a Seahawk Weapons and Tactics instructor (SWTI) and reported to the HSC Weapons School Pacific. During his instructor tour, he earned a master’s degree in Global Leadership from the University of San Diego.
In 2011, Severson deployed to Kandahar, Afghanistan as the officer in charge (OIC) of a three-person military history collection unit in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. After this deployment, he attended the U.S. Naval War College where he earned a master's degree in National Security and Strategic Studies.
In 2013, Severson reported to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 4. He served as the squadron’s maintenance officer, training officer and administration officer. He deployed with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2 aboard the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) in support of Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise and USS George Washington (CVN-73) for Southern Seas transit.
In 2016, Severson reported to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) headquarters. He worked as an exercise lead planner and traveled throughout the CENTCOM area of responsibility in support of several multinational exercises. While assigned to the CENTCOM J7, he selected for Commander Command.
During his career, Severson has accumulated over 1800 flight hours. His personal awards include Defense Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (two awards), Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal as well as numerous campaign and unit awards.