Capt. Sean P. Knight
Commanding Officer, USS Kearsarge (LHD 3)
23 May 2024
Capt. Knight is a native of Coral Gables, Florida. He earned his commission via the Enlisted Commissioning Program and graduated from the University of North Florida in 1998 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History. He was designated a Naval Aviator in January 2000 and has flown the SH-60F/H and MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopters throughout his career.
Capt. Knight’s sea assignments include an initial operational tour as a pilot with Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 8 where he deployed aboard USS JOHN C. STENNIS (CVN 74) and USS CARL VINSON (CVN 70) in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM and OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM. His second sea assignment was as the ANAV aboard USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN 69). While assigned he was awarded the DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER Five Star Leadership Award. His department head tour was with Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 14 in Atsugi Japan where he served as detachment officer in charge (OIC) and squadron maintenance officer while deployed with USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73) in support of OPERATION TOMODACHI. As detachment OIC, he deployed aboard USS COWPENS (CG 63). Capt. Knight served as the Executive Officer and then Commanding Officer of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 4. The squadron deployed as part of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2 in support of USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73) Carrier Strike Group to FOURTH FLEET and two deployments aboard USS CARL VINSON (CVN 70) ISO SEVENTH FLEET operations in the South China Sea.
His shore assignments include: Aviation Safety Officer and Flight Instructor with Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 10 concurrently as Flag Aide to FLEET ASW Command; Commanders Travel and Chief Staff Officer USAFRICOM; and JCIDS Branch Chief for the Joint Staff J-8.
He assumed his current assignment as the Commanding Officer of USS KEARSARGE (LHD 3) on 23 May 2024.
His education includes a Master of Arts degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College. He also received a Master of Science degree in National Resource Strategy from the National Defense University Eisenhower School. His personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (four awards), Navy Achievement Medal (six awards), Good Conduct Medal (three awards), and various unit commendations and service/campaign awards.