CAPT Katie Ellis

Past Commanding Officer, USS Boxer (LHD 4)

11 February 2021 Capt. Katie Ellis is a native of Westford, Mass., and a 1997 graduate of the United States Naval Academy, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics. Additionally, she earned a Master of Business Administration degree from the College of William & Mary, and a Master of Arts degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College.

Ellis’s sea assignments include an initial operational tour with HSL-44, where she deployed aboard USS Caron (DD 970) and USS Arthur W. Radford (DD 968).  She served as the Assistant Air Officer on USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7). While assigned to Iwo Jima, she was recognized as the Naval Helicopter Association’s Shipboard Pilot of the Year for 2006. She served as a Department Head with HSL 46, where she deployed as the Officer-in-Charge aboard USS Vicksburg (CG 69), and later served as the squadron's Maintenance Officer. Ellis served as the Commanding Officer of HSM-35, during which time the Magicians earned the 2016 Captain Arnold Jay Isbell Trophy for anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare excellence. She served as the Executive Officer aboard USS Boxer (LHD 4) and subsequently assumed command in February 2021.

Ashore, Ellis served as the Flag Aide to the Deputy Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet; the Training Department Head for the Fleet Replacement Squadron, HSL-40; a Project Officer assigned to Joint Staff J7 for Future Joint Force Development; and as the Anti-Submarine Warfare and Aviation Branch Head for the Director of Surface Warfare (OPNAV N96C2).

Her personal decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (2 awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (5 awards), Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (3 awards) and various unit commendations and service campaign awards.