Executive Officer
Cmdr. Eric Niessner

Cmdr. 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 Seaman to Admiral (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 master’s 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 at Patrol Squadron (VP) 30.
 
Operational assignments include service with the “Red Lancers” of VP-10 at Naval Air Station (NAS) Jacksonville, Florida; the “Wizards” of Special Projects Patrol Squadron (VPU) 2 at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe, Hawaii; and department head with the “Marlins” of VP-40 at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington, serving as safety/NATOPS officer, administrative officer, and operations officer.
 
Shore assignments include duty as a P-3C FRS instructor at VP-30, where he was awarded the title of 2016 Naval Flight Officer (NFO) of the Year (Atlantic); 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 reported to VPU-2 as executive officer in May 2023.
 
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.