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NavSource Online: Amphibious Photo Archive

USS Essex (LHD-2)

CAPT. CAPT Russell “Mongoose” Everitt, USN
Commanding Officer, USS Essex (LHD 2) Captain Everitt is a native of Charleston, SC, graduated from the University of South Florida in 1999 with a B.S. in Business Management and a M.S. in Forensic Science from the University of New Haven in 2000. He earned his commission through Officer Candidate School and designated a Naval Aviator in July 2002.
Operational assignments include deployments with HSL-46 in support of Operations ENDURING FREEDOM and IRAQI FREEDOM embarked in USS VELLA GULF (CG 72) and aboard USS DOYLE (FFG 39) participating in counter narcotics operations; deployed to Baghdad, Iraq serving in the Multi National Corps-Iraq Joint Operations Center; HSM-70 aboard USS GEORGE H.W. BUSH (CVN 77) supporting operations in the 5th Fleet area of operations; HSM-75, where he served as the Officer in Charge embarked in USS SHOUP (DDG 86) and squadron maintenance officer; Executive Officer and Commanding Officer with the HSM-71 RAPTORS attached to Carrier Air Wing NINE deploying with the USS JOHN C. STENNIS (CVN 74) where the squadron was awarded the 2018 Battle “E” Award. He has accumulated over 4,000 flight hours in the MH-60R and SH-60B Sea Hawk helicopters throughout his career.
Shore assignments include HSL-40 as an FRS Instructor Pilot and CNAL NATOPS Evaluator; USNORTHCOM, J-5 Directorate, Counter Narcotics and Counter Threat Network Military Deputy; OPNAV N96 Aviation and Surface ASW Branch Head.
Captain Everitt reported onboard USS ESSEX (LHD 2) in July 2023 and served as the Executive Officer until June 2025.
Captain Everitt is the recipient of the Navy League’s 2019 John Paul Jones Leadership Award and the 2014 Navy and Marine Association Leadership Award. His military awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (2), Joint Service Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (4), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (4), and various unit commendations and service/campaign awards.
Captain Everitt assumed command of USS ESSEX (LHD 2) in July 2025

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