Executive Officer
Cmdr. Jessica Atherton

A native of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Cmdr. Jessica Atherton graduated from the United States Merchant Marine Academy in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering Systems.  She was designated a Naval Aviator in April 2007.

Upon completion of her initial training in the MH-60S at Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 2, Atherton reported to HSC-26 in December 2007 where she served as schedules officer, maintenance division officer, detachment operations officer, and aviation safety officer.  During her tour at HSC-26, Atherton deployed twice to Bahrain in direct support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.  After being selected to transition to the MH-53E, Atherton reported to Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron (HM) 14 where she deployed to Pohang, South Korea from December 2014 to July 2015.  In June of 2017 Atherton reported to the HM-15 where she served as safety officer, administration officer, and operations officer.  She deployed twice to Manama, Bahrain where serving as officer in charge of HM-15 Detachment 2. 

Atherton’s initial shore duty was with Commander, Helicopter Sea Combat Wing Atlantic where she served as the current readiness officer and training and readiness officer for the HSC, Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS), and HM communities.  Most recently she served as the training officer for HM-12 prior to assuming her duties as executive officer in November of 2021.

Atherton has amassed over 2000 flight hours in the MH-60S and MH-53E.  She is a graduate of the School of Naval Aviation Safety and earned her Masters of Engineering in Systems Engineering from Pennsylvania State University in 2019. She is a recipient of the Navy Commendation Medal (2), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (3), and various other unit awards.