Captain Eric J. “Morecow” Bell is a native of Washington, Illinois. He was commissioned in 2002 and designated a Naval Flight Officer (NFO) in 2004. He holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Theory from the University of Michigan, an Executive Master of Business Administration from the Naval Postgraduate School, and a Master of Arts (with distinction) in National Security and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College (USNWC). Additionally, he is a graduate of the Carrier Airborne Early Warning Weapons School (CAEWWS) and U.S. Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN).

Captain Bell’s sea assignments include the VAW-113 Black Eagles, VAW-116 Sun Kings, and VAW-112 Golden Hawks; he returned to the Black Eagles for their E-2D Advanced Hawkeye transition and operational command. He has deployed aboard the USS RONALD REAGAN (CVN 76), USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN 72), USS JOHN C. STENNIS (CVN 74), and USS CARL VINSON (CVN 70) in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, and other FIFTH and SEVENTH Fleet operations. Additionally, he completed assignments as Joint Electronic Warfare Officer, supporting U.S. Army I Corps during Exercise Talisman Saber, and U.S. Senior Naval Controller, supporting the Republic of Korea / U.S. Combined Forces Command during Exercise Key Resolve.

Captain Bell’s shore assignments include the Hawkeye Weapons & Tactics Unit,  SNWC Halsey Bravo Advanced Research Project, and Integrated Warfare Directorate of the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations (OPNAV N9I). At OPNAV N9I, he served as the Warfare Programs Branch Head, acquired subspecialties in both Requirements Management and Financial Management, and led the Navy’s Warfighting Council in developing a comprehensive investment and divestment plan, totaling more than $1 trillion across the Future Years Defense Plan. 

Captain Bell has logged more than 2,500 flight hours in 14 different aircraft and is qualified in the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye and F/A-18F Super Hornet. His personal awards include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Strike / Flight Air Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (four awards), Navy Achievement Medal (four awards), and Army Achievement Medal. Additionally, he was recognized as Hawkeye NFO of the Year in 2010.