Capt. Anthony Perez
Executive Officer, USS Bataan (LHD 5)
12 September 2025
Captain Anthony Perez, a native of San Diego, California, graduated from Arizona State University in 2001 with a Bachelor’s in Sports Medicine and was commissioned through Officer Candidate School later that year. He earned his Wings of Gold in 2003 and earned a Master of Arts degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College in 2016. Captain Perez’s operational flying began in 2004 with the "Eightballers" of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron EIGHT (HS-8), where he deployed aboard USS CARL VINSON (CVN 70) and USS JOHN C. STENNIS (CVN 74) in support of OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM (OIF) and ENDURING FREEDOM (OEF). In 2007, CAPT Perez was selected as a Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) instructor pilot with the "Warhawks" of Helicopter Anti- Submarine Squadron TEN (HS-I0), where he trained the next generation of naval aviators.
During this tour, he deployed with Expeditionary Sea Combat Unit Detachment TWO, providing rotary-wing support to Joint Special Operations Task Force Philippines (JSOTF-P) in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM-Philippines (OEF-P). His exceptional performance while at HS-I0 earned him recognition as the 20I0 FRS Pilot of the Year. In 20I0, he joined the elite "Firehawks" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron EIGHT FIVE (HSC-85), he supported U.S. Special Operations on multiple deployments. His expertise in operational planning and execution led him to Special Operations Command South (USSOCSO) in 20I6, where he served as the J5 Directorate Plans and Policy Chief, helping shape strategic initiatives in the SOUTHCOM AOR.
In 20I9, CAPT Perez served as Executive Officer of the World Famous "Chargers" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron FOURTEEN (HSC-I4), "Day and Night." He then took command as the Commanding Officer, overseeing the squadron·s mission readiness, tactical development,and operational success for their 2022 combat deployment aboard USSABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN 72). Following his squadron command tour, CAPT Perez was assigned to the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations Integrated Warfare Directorate (OPNAV N9I). He served as the Deputy Branch Head for Deliberate Requirements, where he played a key role in advancing naval capabilities and integrating next-generation warfighting strategies. He is currently serving as the Executive Officer of the mighty USS BATAAN (LHD 5).
CAPT Perez’s personal decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Air Medal (Strike/ Flight), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (two awards), Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (four awards), and numerous unit and campaign awards.