CAPT Eric Severson

Executive Officer, USS Makin Island (LHD 8)

30 November 2025 Captain Eric Severson is a native of Anaheim, California. He graduated with merit from the United States Naval Academy in 2002 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He also holds master’s degrees in Global Leadership from the University of San Diego and National Security and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College. Following flight training in Pensacola, Florida and Corpus Christi, Texas, he was designated a Naval Aviator in 2004.

Operationally, he has served in numerous helicopter squadrons flying the MH-60S. His fleet assignments include Helicopter Combat Support Squadron ELEVEN (HC-11) and Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron TWO ONE (HSC-21) deploying with the 2515th Naval Air Ambulance Detachment (NAAD) in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM; Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron FOUR (HSC-4) attached to Carrier Air Wing Two (CVW-2) deploying aboard the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) in support of Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise and USS George Washington (CVN 73) for SOUTHERN SEAS transit. He commanded Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron TWO SIX (HSC-26), leading the squadron safely through COVID-19 and multiple detachments deployed in support of SECOND, FIFTH, and SIXTH Fleets which the squadron was awarded the Battle-E.

Ashore, CAPT Severson’s assignments include HSC Weapons School Pacific as a designated Seahawk Weapons and Tactics Instructor (SWTI) managing the Helicopter Advanced Readiness Program; Global War on Terror (GWOT) support assignment to Kandahar, Afghanistan in 2011 in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM; U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) Headquarters where he served in the Joint Exercise and Training Directorate (J7) as an exercise lead planner supporting multinational exercises throughout the CENTCOM AOR. He served as the executive assistant to the Commander, U.S. SIXTH Fleet and was the Chief of Staff of U.S. SIXTH Fleet when he was selected for Major Command. He reported to USS Makin Island in November 2025.

During his career, CAPT Severson has accumulated over 2,100 flight hours, primarily in the MH-60S and has been awarded the Legion of Merit Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and various other service and unit awards.