Executive Officer - Commander Emilson M. "Emil" Espiritu

Commander Emilson M. Espiritu, U.S. Navy, is a native of Norfolk/Virginia Beach. He graduated from Old Dominion University in 1989 with a Bachelor of Science degree. He earned a Master of Science degree from the Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey in 1997 and a Masters degree from the U.S. Army War College in 2006.

At sea, Commander Espiritu served aboard USS Anchorage (LSD 36) as Gunnery/Weapons Officer and eventually Assistant Operations Officer. During his tour, Anchorage deployed in support of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He served as commissioning Damage Control Assistant on USS Mitscher (DDG 57). Following Department Head School, he served as Engineer Officer in USS PATRIOT (MCM 7) and USS WHIDBEY ISLAND (LSD 36). Commander Espiritu’s Executive Officer tour was in USS ESSEX (LHD 2) as the Damage Control Assistant.

Ashore, Commander Espiritu reported to Commander, Middle Pacific as the Engineering Readiness, Anti-Terrorism/Force Protection Officer in 2001. In 2006, he reported to Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/Commander, U.S. FIFTH Fleet where he served as Operations Officer and as Acting Deputy Commander.

Commander Espiritu is authorized to wear the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal with three gold stars, Navy Achievement Medal with two gold stars, as well as various campaign and service medals and ribbons.