A native of Columbia, South Carolina, Commander Ellsworth graduated in the United States Naval Academy class of 2004, earning a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics. He is a graduate of the Naval War College with a Master of Arts in Defense and Strategic Studies. CDR Ellsworth reported to NAS Pensacola, FL for flight training in August 2004, earning flight school honors on the Commodore’s List and “Top Hook” aboard USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN 71). He earned his Naval Aviator Wings in September 2006 and reported to the VAQ-129 “Vikings” for fleet training in the EA-6B Prowler. 
CDR Ellsworth began his operational flying in October 2007 with the VAQ-135 “World Famous Black Ravens”, USS NIMITZ (CVN 68), conducting two deployments to the Western Pacific and supporting Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Additionally, CHEX augmented the VAQ-131 “Lancers”, USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN 72), executing missions in support of Operations ENDURING FREEDOM and NEW DAWN. During this tour CDR Ellsworth was selected as the 2010 Sterling Gilliam Electronic Attack LSO of the Year.
CDR Ellsworth then reported to the VAQ-129 “Vikings” for the EA-18G Growler transition and instructor duty. At the FRS, CHEX completed multiple detachments aboard USS NIMITZ (CVN 68), USS CARL VINSON (CVN 70), USS JOHN C. STENNIS (CVN 74), USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN 75), USS RONALD REAGAN (CVN 76), USS GEORGE H.W. BUSH (CVN 77), and served as Carrier Qualification Phase Head.  There he was selected as the 2014 EA-18G Instructor Pilot of the Year.
CDR Ellsworth returned to the fleet in October 2014 as a “Super JO” with the VAQ-133 “Wizards”, USS JOHN C. STENNIS (CVN 74), participating in a deployment to the Western Pacific. While assigned to the “Wizards”, he was honored as the 2015 CDR William C. McCool Leadership Award recipient.
In July 2016, CDR Ellsworth reported to the VAQ-134 “Garudas” for his department head tour, serving as Admin, Safety, Maintenance, and Operations Officer, while completing an expeditionary deployment to the Western Pacific.
He was then assigned as PERS-43 VAQ Placement Officer, Navy Personnel Command, in Millington, TN. CDR Ellsworth selected for operational squadron command in March 2019.
CDR Ellsworth has accumulated over 2,800 flight hours and 464 carrier arrested landings. His awards include the Strike/Flight Air Medal (2 awards), Navy Commendation Medal (3 awards), Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal (3 awards), and various campaign and service awards.  He is married to the spectacular CDR Kristen Ellsworth, USN of North Potomac, MD, and they have two boys who keep them on their toes.

Last Updated: 6 June 2023