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Commander Erik Halvorson

A native of Fredrick, Maryland, Commander Halvorson graduated from The Pennsylvania State University in 2003, earning a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering.  CDR Halvorson was commissioned through Officer Candidate School in NAS Pensacola, FL and reported for flight training in October 2004.  He earned his Naval Flight Officer Wings in April 2006 and in June 2006 reported to the VAQ-129 “Vikings” for initial fleet training as an EA-6B Electronic Countermeasures Officer. 

CDR Halvorson began his operational flying in June 2007 with the “Gauntlets” of VAQ-136, part of CVW-5 in Atsugi, Japan.  While a “Gauntlet,” he made three deployments aboard USS KITTY HAWK (CV 63) and USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73), participating in multiple Western Pacific AOR international exercises. 

CDR Halvorson was then selected for the NFO to Pilot program and reported to NAS Corpus Christi, TX in February 2010 for primary pilot training.  He earned his Naval Aviator Wings at NAS Kingsville, TX in December 2011 and in February 2012 returned to the VAQ-129 “Vikings” for initial pilot fleet training and transition to the EA-18G Growler.

CDR Halvorson returned to the fleet in February 2013 and joined the “Cougars” of VAQ-139 for his “Super JO” tour.  While with the “Cougars” CDR Halvorson completed a 10 month deployment aboard USS CARL VINSON (CVN 70) in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE.

CDR Halvorson’s next assignment was as a Department Head in VAQ-134, the “Garudas.”  While with the “Garudas” he served as both Safety Officer and Operations Officer, helping transition the squadron to the EA-18G Growler.  CDR Halvorson made the squadron’s initial Growler expeditionary deployment to the Indo-Pacific Area of Responsibility.

Following his department head tour, CDR Halvorson served as the VAQ Assignments Officer at PERS-43 in Millington, TN.  While on the NPC staff, he directly supported the VAQ community by representing over 400 constituents and serving on multiple administrative boards.
Next, CDR Halvorson attended the College of Naval Warfare at The Naval War College in Newport, RI.  CDR Halvorson was selected to participate in the Halsey Bravo Advanced Research Group and was awarded the Honor Graduate earning a Masters of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies.  He selected for squadron command in March 2019 and reported to VAQ-140 as the Executive Officer in December 2021.
CDR Halvorson has accumulated over 2,500 flight hours in 8 naval aircraft with 555 carrier arrested landings, including 28 combat missions.  His awards include the Air Medal with Bronze Star, Strike/Flight Air Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (3 awards), and Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal along with various service awards and ribbons.  He is married to the former Katherine Mares of Chalfont, Pennsylvania and has two amazing children, Landon and Anders.

Last Updated: 30 March 2023


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