Lt. Cmdr. Chris A. Petersen

Executive Officer USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19)

23 November 2020

Originally from Laurel, Maryland, Lt. Cmdr. Petersen is a 2006 graduate of the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps program from The Citadel where he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English.

A career Surface Warfare officer, Petersen's shipboard assignments include: USS WHIDBEY ISLAND (LSD 41) as Communications Officer and Electrical Officer, USS PORTER (DDG 78) as Training Officer, USS MESA VERDE (LPD 19) as the Combat Systems Officer, and USS ARLINGTON (LPD 24) as the Operations Officer.

Ashore, he served as the Visits and Embarks Coordinator for U.S. Fleet Forces Command and was the Security Manager for Training Support Center Hampton Roads. Most recently, he completed a tour at Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center Amphibious Warfare Detachment as the N7 Branch Head and AMW WTI SSDS instructor.

Petersen reported onboard USS MESA VERDE as Executive Officer in March 2021. His personal decorations include the Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, and various unit, campaign and service awards.