Rear Admiral Eric Coy Young

Rear Admiral Young is a native of Abilene, Texas.  He is a 1984 graduate of Angelo State University in San Angelo Texas, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry.  He received his commission as an Ensign from Officer Candidate School in February 1985.  He holds a Master of Science in Financial Management from Naval Postgraduate School and a Master of Arts degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College in Newport, R.I.

Young’s tours as a Surface Warfare Officer included Ordnance Officer, USS Reid (FFG 30); Navigator, USS San Jose (AFS 7); Operations Officer, USS Wadsworth (FFG 9); Combat Systems Officer, Destroyer Squadron Thirty One; Executive Officer, USS Ford (FFG 54); Commanding Officer, USS John L Hall (FFG 32); and Commander, Destroyer Squadron ONE. 

Young’s staff and shore assignments included Commanding Officer, Naval Reserve Center Terre Haute, Indiana; Commanding Officer Naval Reserve Center Danville, Illinois; Manpower Analyst in the Surface Warfare Directorate, Chief of Naval Operations (N86); Manpower and Personnel Director in Naval Reserve Readiness Command South; Commanding Officer, Navy Operational Support Center San Diego, California; and Deputy Director, Training Transformation and Technology in the Office of Secretary Defense (Reserve Affairs).

In 2003, Young assumed command of USS John L. Hall (FFG 32) and completed a deployment to U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command in support of UNITAS 45-04 Atlantic Phase and counter-narcoterrorism operations.  During his command tour, his crew won five of five Command Excellence awards.  Young detached this command in June 2005 and assumed duties as Chief Staff Officer for Commander, Amphibious Squadron ELEVEN, forward deployed in Sasebo, Japan until November 2007.  Young assumed command of Destroyer Squadron ONE from June 2009 through November 2010.  In October 2009, Destroyer Squadron ONE was assigned as the Sea Combat Commander for the Carl Vinson Strike Group.  Young spearheaded Destroyer Squadron One’s transformation from an ISIC focused Destroyer Squadron to an Operational focused Destroyer Squadron.  For the first time, Destroyer Squadron ONE became a permanent Sea Combat Commander for a Strike Group.  Young is currently serving in the Pentagon as the Deputy Chief of Navy Reserve. 

Young’s decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and various unit and campaign awards.