Cmdr. Eric A. Bowen, a native of Blairsville, Penn., graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2009 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Ocean Engineering. He was designated a Naval Aviator in July 2009 at Naval Air Station (NAS) Corpus Christi, TX.

Bowen’s first sea assignment was with Patrol Squadron FOUR ZERO (VP-40) aboard NAS Whidbey Island, Wash., from May 2012 to October 2015, flying the P-3C Orion. While with the “Fighting Marlins,” he completed two operational deployments to the FIFTH and SEVENTH Fleet areas of responsibility and qualified as a Patrol Plane Commander, Patrol Plane Mission Commander, Patrol Plane Instructor Pilot, and Assistant NATOPS Instructor.

Bowen’s first shore assignment was with Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing TEN (CPRW-10) in Whidbey Island, Wash., as the Aviation Safety Officer from October 2015 to September 2018. While on board, he served in the Safety/NATOPS department and qualified as a Maritime Weapons and Tactics Instructor.

In October 2018, Bowen reported back to VP-40 as the Squadron Maritime Tactics Instructor (SMTI). Following a deployment to FIFTH and SEVENTH Fleets, the squadron completed an airframe transition to the P-8A Poseidon where he qualified as a Patrol Plane Commander in the platform.

In August 2020, Bowen reported to Patrol Squadron NINE (VP-9) at NAS Whidbey Island, Wash., as a Department Head. While on board he qualified as a P-8A Instructor Under Training Instructor Pilot (IUT-I), Assistant NATOPS Instructor, and Air-to-Air Refueling Instructor Pilot. Bowen served as the Safety/NATOPS Officer, Training Officer, and Maintenance Officer. During the “Golden Eagles” deployment to FOURTH and SIXTH Fleets, he served as Officer in Charge of Commander Task Group 47.1 and served as the Operations Officer during the following deployment to SIXTH Fleet.

In November 2022, Bowen reported to the U.S. Naval War College where he completed Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) Phase I and graduated with a Master of Arts Degree in Defense and Strategic Studies. He also completed the Holloway Group Advanced Research Program while attending.

Bowen has accumulated over 2,400 flight hours in the P-3C Orion and P-8A Poseidon. His personal decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (4), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and other unit and service ribbons.

Bowen and his wife, Kelli, are the proud parents of Luke (7).

Last Updated: 23 May 2024