Executive Officer
Capt. Michael R. Marks
Capt. Michael Marks is the executive officer of USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), assuming the role in March 2024. A native of Columbus, Ohio, Marks graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the United States Naval Academy in 2003 and later earned his JPME Phase I and a Master of Arts Degree in Defense and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College Distance Program.
Commissioned as a naval aviator, Marks’ first assignment was with the “Chargers” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 26, Norfolk, Virginia. He served as squadron administrative officer, naval air training and operating procedures standardization (NATOPS) officer and detachment assistant officer-in-charge, where he deployed aboard USS Saipan (LHA 2) and forward deployed twice to Naval Support Activity Bahrain.
At sea, Marks served as the air officer and safety officer aboard USS San Antonio (LPD 17) from February 2012 until March 2014, where he qualified underway as officer of the deck and command duty officer. Marks reported as department head to HSC-5 in April 2015. He deployed with the “Night Dippers” of HSC-5 aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) in direct support of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 and the Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 8’s participation in Operation Inherent Resolve, in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility, and served as the squadron’s operations and maintenance officer. In 2020, Marks assumed command of the “Tridents” of HSC-9 located in Norfolk, Virginia, in support of CVW-8 and USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78).
Ashore, Marks served as an MH-60S fleet replacement squadron instructor pilot for the “Fleet Angels” of HSC-2, Norfolk, Virginia, from January 2009 until January 2012 and again from March 2014 until April 2015. While assigned to HSC-2, he served as MH-60S NATOPS, training officer, assistant standardization officer, and east coast Naval Air Force Atlantic model manager. Post department head, he was selected as a Secretary of the Navy Tours with Industry Fellow spending a year with GE Aviation Digital in San Ramon, California. He worked on the Asset Performance Management (APM) Team where he performed as a project and program manager for six months.
Marks’ Military awards include the 2011 Naval Helicopter Association Instructor Pilot of the Year, the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal and various unit, campaign, and service awards. He has flown over 3,100 hours in fixed and rotary wing aircraft.