Capt. Eric "Nutt" Hutter

Capt. Hutter graduated from the University of Virginia in 2001 with a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, and commissioned through the Naval ROTC program. He subsequently attended the University of San Diego and graduated with Distinction from the Naval War College where he earned masters’ degrees in Global Leadership and National Security and Strategic Studies, respectively. He has also completed the Navy’s Seahawk Weapons and Tactics Instructor course administered at the Naval Aviation Warfare Development Center.

Having graduated from flight school as a Naval Pilot in 2003, Capt. Hutter’s assignments include tours as a detachment Maintenance Officer at HSL-45; an instructor pilot and the Quality Assurance Officer at HSM-41; the CVW-2 helicopter representative; the Operations Officer at HSM-78; and the Commanding Officer of HSM-78. During his assignments, Capt. Hutter garnered extensive experience conducting operations from aircraft carriers, destroyers and cruisers in support of Third, Seventh and Fifth Fleet Commanders. Completing five operational deployments, CAPT Hutter served onboard USS Mustin (DDG 89), USS Preble (DDG 88), USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) and USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70).

Following his department head tour, Capt. Hutter served as a Strategic and Operational Planner at USPACOM. While on the USPACOM staff, he directly supported the Combat Operations & Contingencies Branch and was selected as USPACOM J3 Officer of the Year for 2016.

Capt. Hutter’s most recent operational assignment was with the Blue Hawks of HSM-78, during which time he deployed with CSG-1 in support of Seventh Fleet Operations. During his command tour, HSM-78 was honored as the HSM Wing Pacific Battle Efficiency awardees and the recipients of the Jimmy S. Thach award for 2018.

Capt. Hutter’s latest tour was with the Assessments Division (N81) of the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations staff, where he served as a Strategy Officer in the Integration Branch.

Capt. Hutter has accumulated over 2,900 flight hours across the SH-60B, MH-60S, and MH-60R and was selected as COMHSMWP Pilot of the Year in 2007, the Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron FOUR ONE Instructor Pilot of the Year in 2009, and the Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron SEVEN EIGHT Officer of the Year in 2013. His awards include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (3 awards), Strike/Flight Air Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (3 awards), and various service and joint awards and ribbons.