Commander Mark Hlousek is a native of Brunswick, Maine, and a 2010 graduate of the United States Naval Academy, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Political Science with a concentration in International Relations. He completed flight training at NAS Whiting Field and was designated a Naval Aviator in 2012. In 2019, he earned a Master of Science in Management with a concentration in Emergency Management from Southern New Hampshire University. He is also a graduate of the U.S. Navy’s School of Aviation Safety.
He most recently served as the Director of Operations for International Programs at the U.S. Naval War College. He also served as the Deputy Director for the Combined Maritime Security Cooperation Programs, which includes the Maritime Security and Governance Staff Course and International Maritime Staff Operator’s Course within the International Programs Deanery.
A career helicopter pilot, Commander Hlousek has accumulated over 1,800 flight hours in the MH-60R, MH-60S, TH-57B/C, and T-34 aircraft. His operational assignments include tours with Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron SEVEN SEVEN (HSM-77) in Atsugi, Japan, as part of Carrier Air Wing FIVE aboard USS George Washington (CVN-73), USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76), and USS Antietam (CG-54). He later served as the Safety Officer and Operations Officer at HSM-74 “Swamp Foxes” in Jacksonville, Florida, deploying aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) with Carrier Air Wing THREE in support of Operations INHERENT RESOLVE and FINAL COUNTDOWN.
His shore assignments include a tour as a Search and Rescue (SAR) pilot and Assistant Officer-in-Charge at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington, flying the MH-60S. He also served as the Deputy Operations Officer and Staff Force Protection Officer at Military Sealift Command Central / CTF-53 in Manama, Bahrain. Commander Hlousek’s personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Individual Action Air Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (3), Navy Achievement Medal (2), and various unit and campaign awards.
Last Updated: 19 May 2026