Captain Phillip Krites, a native of Lima, Ohio, graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and was commissioned an Ensign in May 2003. He has served in a variety of training and operational squadrons including Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light FOUR SIX (HSL-46), Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron SEVEN ZERO (HSM-70), Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron SEVEN TWO (HSM-72), and Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron SEVEN FOUR (HSM-74) where he served as Executive and Commanding Officer from June 2021 until November 2023.

He has deployed onboard USS KAUFFMAN (FFG-55), USS HALYBURTON (FFG-40), USS GEORGE H.W. BUSH (CVN-77), USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN-75), USS BULKELEY (DDG-84), and USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN-69). He has served as Detachment Operations Officer, Detachment Maintenance Officer, Squadron Assistant Training Officer, Squadron Weapons and Tactics Instructor, Squadron Training Officer, Detachment Officer in Charge, and Squadron Maintenance Officer

Shore Assignments include Helicopter Maritime Strike Weapons School Atlantic (HSMWSL), and as Commanding Officer of HSM 40 from July 2024-July 2025.

He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics, and holds of Masters of Arts in National Defense and Strategic Studies. He is a graduate of the U.S. Naval War College, and Joint Forces Staff College. CAPT Krites is a graduate of the SEAHAWK Weapons and Tactics Instructor (SWTI) program and has accumulated over 3,300 mishap-free flight hours in Naval Aircraft.