CDR Ernesto H. Acosta

EXECUTIVE OFFICER, USS SHOUP (DDG 86)

30 October 2025 CDR Ernesto Acosta is a native of Havana, Cuba and raised in Miami, FL. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Economics from Amherst College in 2008 and was commissioned via Officer Candidate School in 2010. In 2017, he earned a Master of Advanced Studies degree from the University of California in International Affairs, and graduated from the US Naval War College in March of 2025.

His first tour was on the USS ROBERT G. BRADLEY (FFG 49) as the Electrical Officer where he deployed to the AFRICOM AOR to foster Theatre Security Cooperation across eight countries. In 2012, he reported to USS ANTIETAM (CG 54) as Main Propulsion Assistant, where he executed a Hull swap with USS

COWPENS (CG 63) and deployed to the SEVENTH Fleet for independent operations and provided support for Operation Damayan, a humanitarian response to the aftermath of Super Typhoon Haiyan in the Republic of the Philippines.

After extensive training on multiple warfare areas in Department head School, he reported to USS HOWARD (DDG 83) as Chief Engineer where his team successfully completed the largest Destroyer Modernization attempted on the West Coast. Afterwards, he reported as Chief Engineer aboard USS SHILOH (CG 67), forward deployed to the Seventh Fleet AOR. On SHILOH he gained extensive experience as Force Tactical Action Officer for the Air Defense of RONALD REAGAN and CARL VINSON Carrier strike groups.

Ashore, he most recently served as Aide-de-Camp to the Secretary of the Navy, where he planned 46 complex engagements with national, fleet, and foreign leaders. Previously, he served as a Gas Turbine and Diesel Assessor at Engineering Assessments Pacific.

CDR Acosta assumed the role as Executive Officer of USS SHOUP in October 2025.

His personal decorations include one Meritorious Service Medal, four Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement medals, and various other campaign and service awards.