Cmdr. Eric Switzer
Executive Officer, USS Laboon (DDG 58)
21 May 2025
A native of Cedar Springs, Michigan, Commander Eric Switzer graduated from the University of Michigan in 2006 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy. He enlisted as a Nuclear Machinist Mate in 2006 prior to receiving his commission through Officer Candidate School in 2009 as a Surface Warfare Officer.
Afloat, Commander Switzer completed his division officer tours aboard the destroyer USS MOMSEN (DDG 92) as the Antisubmarine Warfare Officer and then aboard USS GETTYSBURG (CG 64) as the Fire Control Officer. As a Department Head, he completed two tours aboard USS SAMPSON (DDG 102) as the Weapons Officer before fleeting up as the Plans and Tactics Officer. He has made numerous deployments to the Fifth, Seventh, and Fourth Fleet operating areas in support of Counter-Piracy, Freedom of Navigation, and Red Sea operations.
Ashore, Commander Switzer served as a Naval Science Instructor at the University of Minnesota earning a Master of Public Policy in Global Policy as well as completing the Naval War College Non-resident Program for Joint Professional Military Education Phase I. He was most recently assigned to Commander, Naval Surface Forces Atlantic as the Force Enlisted Manning Officer.
Commander Switzer’s personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (five awards) and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two awards) as well as multiple unit and service awards.