A native of Cherry Hill, N.J., Rear Adm. Eastburg graduated with distinction from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1981 with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Upon completion of naval flight officer flight training, he reported to air anti-submarine squadron (VS) 41 in San Diego for fleet replacement training in the S-3A Viking. He then reported to VS-38, where he made deployments to the Pacific, Western Pacific and Indian Oceans aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) and USS Ranger (CV-61).

Eastburg then served as operational test director at Operational Test and Evaluation Force, San Diego.  He earned a Master of Science in Systems Management from the University of Southern California and was redesignated an aerospace engineering duty officer. He subsequently completed the Naval Postgraduate School – Naval Test Pilot School Cooperative Program, earning a Master of Science in Aeronautical Engineering, the Aeronautical Engineer’s degree and Test Pilot School diploma. His next assignment was as an S-3A/B project officer VX-20. Follow-on tours included deputy program manager in the Tomahawk Program Office (PMA-280), and executive assistant to the NAVAIR deputy commander for Acquisition and Operations.

Eastburg served as chief test pilot and commanding officer of Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 20.  During this period, the command was awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation and the Chief of Naval Operations Safety Award. He was assigned as the NAVAIR Avionics department head prior to being assigned as program manager, Maritime Surveillance Aircraft (PMA-290). Eastburg then served as the deputy program executive officer for Air Anti-submarine Warfare (ASW), Assault and Special Mission Programs. Upon selection to flag rank, he assumed responsibilities as commander, Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division and U.S. Navy Naval Air Systems Command assistant commander for Research and Engineering. He was subsequently assigned as program executive officer for Air ASW, Assault and Special Mission Programs (PEO(A)), managing the Navy and Marine Corps Inventory of rotary-wing, tilt-rotor and land-based maritime fixed-wing aircraft. He currently serves as the vice commander, Naval Air Systems Command.

Eastburg’s personal decorations include the Legion of Merit (five awards), Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), and the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (three awards).