Commander Eric "Ponsi" Ponsart

Commanding Officer, Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Squadron (VRM) 50

03 November 2020 CDR Eric “Ponsi” Ponsart is a native of Bethesda, Maryland.  He received his commission aboard the Navy’s oldest ship, the USS Constitution, through Boston University’s NROTC program in 2003.  CDR Ponsart was designated a Naval Aviator in February 2006 out of Kingsville, TX.  Following flight school, he received orders to the “Greyhawks” of VAW-120 out of Norfolk, VA for C-2A Greyhound training in Carrier Onboard Delivery (COD).
 
CDR Ponsart’s first operational fleet assignment was as a member of the “Rawhides” of VRC-40 located in Norfolk, VA.  He deployed with VRC-40 Det 5 and Det 3 in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) aboard USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN-75) and USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN-69).
 
CDR Ponsart was selected to attend the United States Test Pilot School (USNTPS) in February 2010, followed by orders to VX-20 as a developmental test pilot where he conducted test and evaluation for the C-2A, E-2C, E-2D, and carrier suitability programs.

In May of 2014, CDR Ponsart reported to the “Providers” of VRC-30 as a Department Head.  He deployed aboard the USS JOHN C. STENNIS as the Officer-In-Charge (OIC) of the VRC-30 Det 4 “Horsemen” for their 2016 WESTPAC and ​RIMPAC deployment.
 
In November 2016, CDR Ponsart reported to COMNAVAIRLANT as the E2/C2 and CMV-22 Class Desk Officer and was responsible for the aircraft distribution, material and engineering for the fleet.  He was selected for squadron command and is scheduled to report to VRM-50 as the first Command Officer in October 2020.
 
Throughout his career, CDR Ponsart has accumulated over 2,500 flight hours in over 20 aircraft.  He holds an undergraduate degree in Electrical Engineering from Boston University, a master’s degree in System’s Engineering from Johns Hopkins University and is a graduate of USNTPS Class 139.  His personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (2 awards), and Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2 awards) and various service awards and ribbons.