A native of Virginia Beach, VA, Commander Seth “Hellcat” Petersen graduated from the University of Virginia in 2008, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. CDR Petersen was commissioned through the OCS program in February 2009 and reported to NAS Pensacola, FL for initial flight training. After earning his Wings of Gold, he reported to VFA-122 for initial fleet training as an F/A-18F Weapons Systems Officer. 

CDR Petersen reported to Atsugi, Japan, and the “Diamondbacks” of VFA-102 in April 2012. During this tour, he deployed three times to the Western Pacific as a member of the Forward Deployed Naval Forces aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73). Following his tour in Japan, CDR Petersen reported to the “Flying Eagles” of VFA-122, where he served as instructor aircrew for the west coast F/A-18 E/F Fleet Replacement Squadron.

In January 2018, CDR Petersen returned to the fleet as a staff officer for Carrier Air Wing TWO. While with CVW-2, he deployed aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), patrolling the Western Pacific and supporting RIMPAC 2018. CDR Petersen joined the “Redcocks” of VFA-22 in January 2020, serving as a department head in the safety and operations departments, and deploying on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, Freedom’s Sentinel, and Octave Quartz.

CDR Petersen reported to the United States Naval War College in Newport, RI in July 2022. He completed his course of studies in June 2023, earning a Master of Arts degree in Defense and Strategic Studies

Following Newport, CDR Petersen reported to Commander, Naval Air Forces Atlantic in Norfolk, VA where he served as the F/A-18, Mission Planning, and Weapons Requirements Officer until July 2025. During this tour, he also earned a Master of Business Administration from William & Mary.

In December 2025, CDR Petersen reported to the “Black Aces” of VFA-41 as Executive Officer.

CDR Petersen has accumulated over 2,000 flight hours and 500 carrier arrested landings. His personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal and the Navy Commendation Medal (3 awards) along with various unit, service, and campaign awards. CDR Petersen is married to Phoebe Petersen and they have two sons.