CAPT Mike Silver is a native of Long Island, New York. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2003 and earned his designation as a Naval Aviator in January 2005. He completed a master’s degree in Public Administration at Harvard University in 2013 and is a graduate of the Naval Nuclear Power Training program.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             
 CAPT Silver served as Commanding Officer of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron TWO ONE (HSC-21) from May 2021 – June 2022 after serving as the squadron’s Executive Officer. The “Blackjacks” successfully deployed seven detachments around the globe, performing manned and unmanned operations in THIRD, FIFTH, and SEVENTH Fleets and were awarded the Battle “E”.
 
As a Department Head, he served as Operations Officer, Maintenance Officer, and Safety Officer with the “World Famous Golden Falcons” of HSC-12, based in Atsugi, Japan. He deployed six times throughout the INDOPACOM AOR aboard USS George Washington (CVN-73) and USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) with Carrier Air Wing FIVE (CVW-5) and Battle Force SEVENTH Fleet (CTF-70). As a Junior Officer, he conducted deployments with HSC-21 to Udairi AAF, Kuwait as “DUSTOFF” MEDEVAC in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM and aboard USNS BRIDGE (T-AOE 10) in support of THIRD, FIFTH, and SEVENTH Fleets during Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.
 
Shore tours were completed as Executive Assistant to Deputy Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces, as Presidential Strike Advisor, National Military Command Center, J3 Division of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, as Special Assistant to the Commander, Naval Air Forces Atlantic, as Flag Aide to Commander, Naval Air Forces, and as a Flight Instructor with the HSC-3 “Merlins”. CAPT Silver completed JPME I at the Aviation Air Command and Staff College and JPME II at the Joint Forces Staff College.
 
CAPT Silver has logged over 3,000 mishap-free flight hours in the MH-60S and is qualified to operate the MQ-8 Unmanned Air Vehicle. His personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (2), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (4), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal, and numerous campaign and unit awards.
 

Last Updated: 8 July 2025