Executive Officer
Cmdr. Natalya Cooper
Cmdr. Natalya Cooper is a native of Seattle, Washington, and earned her commission and a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering from the United States Naval Academy in 2010. She earned a Master of Science in Operations Management from the University of Arkansas in 2021. She was designated a Naval Aviator in September 2012.
Cooper has piloted the MH-60R Seahawk helicopter throughout her aviation career. Her tours include assistant operations officer at Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 72; instructor pilot and assistant operations officer at HSM-40; maintenance officer and operations officer as a plank owner at HSM-50. At sea, she served aboard USS Gravely (DDG 107) and USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), deploying in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.
Following her instructor tour, Cooper served as the Aviation Incentive Pay Action Officer at PERS-43, Navy Personnel Command. Most recently, she attended the Naval War College, earning a Master of Arts in Defense and Strategic Studies in 2024.
Cooper reported to HSM-48 to assume the duties of executive officer in June 2025.
Her military decorations include the Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, and various unit, campaign, and service awards.