Erik M. Ross

A native of Appleton, Wisconsin, Ross graduated from Appleton East High School.[1] He later graduated from Cornell University in 1988 and the University of San Diego in 1995. Ross is married to Cindy Ross and has three children.

Ross was commissioned through the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps.[2] At sea, his earlier assignments include having served aboard the USS Coronado (AGF-11), the USS Callaghan (DDG-994), as executive officer of the USS Pearl Harbor and operations officer of the USS Tarawa (LHA-1). From 2006 to 2007, Ross commanded the USS Whidbey Island (LSD-41), which included a tour of duty during Operation Enduring Freedom. Ross was executive officer of the USS Bataan (LHD-5) from 2010 to 2011, from which time he was its commanding officer until 2013. His assignments ashore include serving with United States Pacific Command.

Awards he has received include the Legion of Merit, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal and the Navy Achievement Medal.

Two months after assuming command of the Navy’s Expeditionary Strike Group 2, Rear Adm. Erik M. Ross was fired on 27 September 2019 in connection to an “alleged off-duty incident” which called into question the flag officer’s judgment, according to 2nd Fleet spokeswoman Lt. Cmdr. Ashley Hockycko.[3] Strike Group 2 oversaw 23 lower commands and amphibious ships, including more than 11,000 sailors and Marines responsible for conducting amphibious and expeditionary missions from the East Coast to the Mediterranean Sea. The Strike Group’s Chief of Staff, Capt. Darren Nelson, assumed command of the group until a permanent replacement was named.