CAPT Aaron J. Taylor

Past Commanding Officer, USS Essex (LHD-2)

09 May 2022 Captain Aaron Taylor, a native of Carlsbad, California, graduated from Tufts University in 1998 and received his commission through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps. He was designated a Naval Aviator in 2000.

Operational assignments include Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 11 (HC-11), USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD-6) and Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 21 (HSC-21), where he served as Officer in Charge of the 2515th Naval Air Ambulance Detachment on Camp Buehring, Kuwait. Captain Taylor commanded the “Chargers” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 26 (HSC-26).

Shore assignments include Training Squadron 27 (VT-27), U.S. Strategic Command, and Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Air Warfare (OPNAV N98).

Captain Taylor holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering and Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Creighton University. He has accumulated over 3,400 flight hours in the H-46D, MH-60S and T-34C. His decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (2), Air Medal (Strike/Flight), as well as various campaign and unit awards.