LCDR Chase E. Harding

Commanding Officer, USS Pioneer (MCM 9)

15 October 2023 LCDR Harding is a native of and was raised in Lamoine, Maine. He attended Maine Maritime Academy, earning a BS in Marine Transportation Operations and a USCG 2nd Mates Unlimited tonnage License. In May 2010; he was commissioned from Maine Maritime Academy Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps as a Surface Warfare Officer.

LCDR Harding’s first sea assignment was aboard USS WAYNE E. MEYER (DDG 108) where he served as the Repair Officer, Assistant Training Officer, and 3M Officer. In October 2012, he reported to Littoral Combat Ship Crew 103 serving on both USS FREEDOM (LCS 1) and USS FORT WORTH (LCS 3) as the Electronic Materials Officer. In June of 2015, he reported to Commander Military Sealift Command Europe and Africa as the PM-8 Program manager for MSC’s Expeditionary Fast Platforms (T-EPF). While ashore, LCDR Harding earned a MS in Organizational Leadership from Norwich University.

He successfully completed his FDNF-J Weapons and Combat Systems Officer Tours on USS MUSTIN (DDG-89), and Executive Officer tours on both USS WARRIOR (MCM-10) and USS PIONEER (MCM 9). He now serves as PIONEER’s 37th Commanding Officer.

His personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (4 awards), the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (3 awards), and various unit and campaign awards, all of which he attributes to the sailors he has had the privilege to serve.