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Commander Michael “Chowder” Moorse

Commander Michael Moorse, a native of Hurst, Texas, graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2006 with his commission and Bachelor of Science degree in Systems Engineering.  He was designated a Naval Aviator in 2008 and reported to the HSL-40 “Airwolves” in Mayport, Florida for initial fleet training in the SH-60B Seahawk.

CDR Moorse was assigned to his first operational tour in 2009 with the “Vipers” of HSL-48 in Mayport, Florida.  There he completed deployments on USS ELROD (FFG 55) in support of FIFTH Fleet counter-piracy operations and USS NITZE (DDG 94) in support of FOURTH Fleet operations.  Ashore, he served as Detachment Maintenance Officer and squadron Naval Air Training and Operating Procedures Standardization (NATOPS) Officer.

In 2012, CDR Moorse reported to the “Seahawks” of HSM-41 in San Diego, California where he transitioned to the MH-60R helicopter and served as a Fleet Replacement Squadron Instructor Pilot.  He also held positions as Search and Rescue Officer and NATOPS Officer.  He also earned an Executive Master of Business Administration degree from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School while assigned to HSM-41.

CDR Moorse then reported to USS ANCHORAGE (LPD 23) in 2015 and served as Assistant Air Officer and Aviation Fuels Officer on the maiden deployment to the FIFTH and SEVENTH Fleet areas of operation with the ESSEX Amphibious Ready Group and 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit.  Upon return to homeport in San Diego, he assumed duties as Air Officer and Afloat Safety Officer and led the ship through aviation certification preparations during an extensive shipyard repair availability period. 

In 2017, CDR Moorse returned to flying duty as a Department Head with the HSM-72 “Proud Warriors” in Jacksonville, Florida.  He completed deployments to SIXTH Fleet on USS BULKELEY (DDG 84) as Combat Element TWO Officer-in-Charge and on                             USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN 75) as the squadron Operations Officer in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE and the first-ever Dynamic Force Employment.

In 2020, CDR Moorse attended the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island, where he graduated with highest distinction and earned a Master of Arts degree in Defense and Strategic Studies.  He then reported to the Joint Chiefs of Staff at the Pentagon in Washington, DC and served as action officer and Mission Assurance Branch Chief in the Deputy Directorate for Nuclear and Homeland Defense Operations, J-36.  He reported to the “Easyriders” of HSM-37 in April 2023 to assume duties as Executive Officer.

CDR Moorse has accumulated over 2,200 flight hours in naval aircraft.  His awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (two awards), the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (three awards), and various unit and campaign awards.

Last Updated: 10 June 2024

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