LCDR Nicolas Saavedra

Executive Officer, USS Warrior (MCM 10)

15 August 2025 LCDR Saavedra is a native of Miami, Florida. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Florida International University and was commissioned through Officer Candidate School in October 2013.

LCDR Saavedra began his career with the Forward Deployed Naval Forces (FDNF) in Yokosuka, Japan, serving aboard USS McCampbell (DDG 85) as the Main Propulsion Division Officer and Combat Electronics Division Officer. During this tour, he participated in multiple patrols across the Seventh Fleet Area of Operations, including multinational exercises with the Republic of Korea Navy and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. His FDNF assignment was followed by a second division officer tour as the Anti-Submarine Warfare Officer aboard USS Cape St. George (CG 71) in San Diego, California. His time on board concluded in April 2017 as the ship entered the Service Life Extension Program.

In May 2017, LCDR Saavedra reported to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 23, serving as the Staff Anti-Submarine Warfare Officer. He deployed to the Seventh and Fifth Fleet Areas of Operation, providing Surface and Anti-Submarine Warfare Commander duties for the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group. During this deployment, he supported multinational operations, including Operation Inherent Resolve in the Arabian Gulf.

Following this tour, he was assigned to Coastal Riverine Squadron FOUR (CRS 4) in Little Creek, Virginia, where he served as Officer in Charge for Charlie and Delta Companies, overseeing 34-foot and 25-foot patrol boats. He later deployed to Fujairah, U.A.E., supporting defense-in-depth operations for High-Value Units in the Fifth Fleet Area of Operations, as well as conducting joint exercises with the U.S. Marine Corps and United Arab Emirates Navy.

LCDR Saavedra then attended Department Head Class 261 in September 2020 before reporting to USS Canberra (LCS 30), Crew 227, as a Single Longer Tour Chief Engineer. He led the Engineering Department through the ship’s pre-commissioning process, INSURV, commissioning cruise to Sydney, Australia, and the Basic, Advanced, and Integrated training phases. His leadership prepared USS Canberra to become the first Independence-class LCS to deploy to the Fifth Fleet Area of Operations.

In July 2024, LCDR Saavedra was selected for Early Command. He reported onboard USS Warrior (MCM 10) as the Executive Officer in August 2025, where he is currently serving.