Executive Officer
Cmdr. Anders Holmstrom
A native of Bristol, Rhode Island, Cmdr. Anders Holmstrom graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2008 with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. After commissioning, he completed Primary with Training Squadron (VT) 28 in Corpus Christi, Texas, and rotary wing training with Helicopter Training Squadron (HT) 8 in Milton, Florida, earning his “wings of gold” in 2010. Upon completion of flight school, he reported to Airborne Mine Countermeasures Weapon Systems Training School (AWSTS) for training in the MH-53E Sea Dragon.
He began his operational flying in 2011 with the “Blackhawks” of Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron (HM) 15, making multiple deployments to 5th Fleet area of responsibility with HM-15 DET II in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. In 2014, he reported to AWSTS to serve as a fleet replacement squadron (FRS) instructor pilot. Here he earned the Sea Dragon weapons and tactics instructor (SWTI) qualification, served as MH-53E NATOPS Evaluator, and became a “Plank Owner” of the re-established HM-12 as ADMIN Department Head. He continued to the “World Famous Vanguard” of HM-14 as squadron SWTI in 2017, participating in Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) and multiple exercises in South Korea.
He returned to HM-15 in 2019 where he served as Maintenance Officer and Officer in Charge (OIC) of HM-15 DET II, Bahrain. During this tour he completed Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) Phase 1 through the U.S. Naval War College of Distance Education.
In 2021, Holmstrom reported to Naval Personnel Command Millington, Tennessee to serve as PERS-43 helicopter shore assignments officer. He then attended the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island, earning a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategy, graduating with distinction in 2024. He returned to HM-15 as Executive Officer in August 2024.
He has accumulated over 2,300 flight hours. His personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (4 awards), Navy Achievement Medal, and various unit and service awards