Cmdr. Heather C. Ehrlich
Executive Officer, USS New York (LPD 21)
26 June 2025
Cmdr. Heather C. Ehrlich was born in Brunswick Georgia and grew up in a Navy family. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from The Pennsylvania State University in 2010. She holds a Master of Public Administration Program from The University of Georgia. She graduated with honors in December 2017.
Her first tour was in Norfolk onboard the USS Stout (DDG 55), as the main propulsion officer. While on Stout, she completed a Ballistic Missile Defense of Israel deployment and was involved in Libya operations, including Operation Odyssey Dawn.
She reported to the USS Cowpens (CG 63) as fire control officer, March 2013. Cowpens deployed to the 7th Fleet area of responsibility, serving as flagship for CTF-76 leading Operation Damayan, supporting disaster relief efforts in the Philippines, and participating in numerous multinational exercises.
Cmdr. Ehrlich’s next assignment was as the Commander, Navy Region Europe, Africa, Central anti-terrorism officer. She was responsible for implementing and coordinating execution of FP programs and provided oversight to eight installations across four countries.
Her first department head tour was on Pre-Commissioning Unit Tripoli (LHA 7) out of Pascagoula, MS, as the combat systems officer, preparing the ship for commissioning and initial sail around. Cmdr. Ehrlich then reported to USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26) as the operations officer in September, 2020.
On Murtha, she led the operations department through a compressed basic phase, then independent operations including Operation Freedom Banner, NASA URT-9 certification and UNITAS 2021. Upon completion of her operations officer tour, Cmdr. Ehrlich checked into Carrier Strike Group FIFTEEN (CSG 15).
During her time at CSG 15, Cmdr. Ehrlich planned and executed Amphibious Ready Group/Marine Expeditionary Unit certification exercises. She spent six months deployed as flag aide to Standing NATO Maritime Group TWO’s commander in 6th Fleet.
Cmdr. Ehrlich checked in as the Executive Officer of NEW YORK in June of 2025.