A native of Omaha, Nebraska, Commander Larsen graduated from Iowa State University in 2009, earning a Bachelor of Science in Construction Engineering. CDR Larsen was commissioned through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps Program and reported to NAS Pensacola, FL for flight training in August 2009. He earned his Naval Flight Officer Wings in May 2011, and received the Maj Gen William A. Cohen Strike Leadership Award for superior performance. In May 2011, CDR Larsen reported to the VAQ 129 “Vikings” for initial fleet training as an EA-6B Electronic Countermeasures Officer.CDR Larsen began his operational flying in July 2012 with the “Garudas” of VAQ 134. While a “Garuda”, he made one deployment aboard USS GEORGE H. W. BUSH (CVN 77), participating in Operation ENDURING FREEDOM and Operation INHERENT RESOLVE. During this tour CDR Larsen participated in the planning and execution of the U.S. Navy’s formal retirement of the EA-6B Prowler.
CDR Larsen reported back to VAQ 129 in 2015 to complete a full transition syllabus as an EA-18G Electronic Warfare Officer with follow-on orders to remain as a Fleet Replenishment Squadron Instructor. At the conclusion of his instructor tour, CDR Larsen had earned his EA-18G Mission Commander Qualification and served as the Airborne Electronic Attack Phase Head.
In 2019, CDR Larsen joined CVW 8 as CAG EWO and became NATOPS qualified in the F/A-18F. CDR Larsen managed airwing qualifications and flew exclusively with VFA 213 “Blacklions,” participating in multiple fighter and CAS detachments as well as USS GERALD R. FORD carrier deck trials.
CDR Larsen returned to the fleet in 2020 as a Department Head in VAQ-133, the “Wizards.” While with the Wizards, he completed one deployment aboard USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN 72) in support of Pacific Fleet operations, serving as both Maintenance Officer and Operations Officer.
Following his department head tour, CDR Larsen attended the United States Naval War College where he graduated with distinction earning a Master’s Degree in Defense and Strategic Studies. CDR Larsen then served as N54B in international partnerships at Fleet Cyber Command. He selected for operational training command in March 2024 and is scheduled to report to the Electronic Attack Weapons School as Executive Officer in June 2025.
CDR Larsen has accumulated over 2,000 flight hours in 7 aircraft and 249 carrier arrested landings, including 39 combat missions. His awards include the Strike/Flight Air Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (3 awards), Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal (3 awards) and various service awards and ribbons.