Commanding Officer
Cmdr. Eric Niessner

Commander Eric R. Niessner, a native of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, started his naval career by enlisting as a Fire Control Technician in 1996. He was commissioned under the STA-21 program, and is a 2007 graduate of the University of South Carolina where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering.  He is also a 2018 graduate of Liberty University with a Masters in Management and Leadership. He earned his Wings of Gold in August of 2009, and went on to complete his initial training in the P-3C Orion aircraft at Patrol Squadron (VP) 30.
 
Operational assignments include service with the “Red Lancers” of VP-10 at Naval Air Station (NAS) Jacksonville, FL; the “Wizards” of Special Projects Patrol Squadron (VPU) 2 at Marine Corps Base in  Kaneohe, HI; and Department Head with the “Marlins” of VP-40 at NAS Whidbey Island, WA serving as Safety/ NATOPS Officer, Administrative Officer, and Operations Officer.
 
Shore assignments include duty as a P-3C Orion Fleet Replacement Squadron Instructor at VP-30, where he was awarded the title of 2016 NFO of the Year (LANT); EP-3E Aries, P-3C Orion, and MQ-4C Triton Training Director at VP-30; and Operations Officer at Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing (CPRW) 10.
 
Niessner assumed command of VPU-2 in May 2024.
 
His awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal (3 Strike/Flight), the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (4), the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2), and various unit and campaign decorations.