Lieutenant Commander Salazar was born and raised in Orlando, Florida. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2012 with a Bachelor of Science in Astrophysics. Following commissioning, he attended training at the Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center and Naval School Explosive Ordnance Disposal earning his Explosive Ordnance Disposal Officer designation in 2016. He also attended the University of Tennessee, earning a Master of Business Administration.
Larry’s operational tours include assignment to EOD Mobile Unit SIX, home of the Kegbusters, where he deployed as a mine countermeasures platoon commander to US FIFTH Fleet; a tour as Company Commander at Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit Two leading Deep Sea Divers in Subject Matter Expert Exchanges with Colombia, Panama, and Trinidad during FOURTH Fleet’s Southern Partnership Station; and an assignment as Operations Officer at EOD Mobile Unit THREE where he spearheaded the first EOD Battalion-level mobilization to SEVENTH Fleet.
For his shore tour, Larry was assigned to Navy Personnel Command’s Enlisted Distribution Division as Assignment Officer for the Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Navy Diver, and Naval Special Warfare Ratings. Additionally, he served as Assistant Branch Head over the Naval Construction Force “Seabee” ratings.
While assigned to Mine Countermeasures Squadron FIVE, he served as Operation Officer and lead watch officer for International Maritime EX 23, EX Artemis Trident, and OPN Neptune Triumph. He represented CTF 52 for OPNAV’s UUV Requirements Group and the Mine Warfare Improvement Program. Larry also served as Flag Aide to Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command.
Lieutenant Commander Salazar is awarded the Meritorious Commendation Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal (six awards) and is honored to serve with remarkable sailors whose dedication and excellence resulted in awarding of the Battle Efficiency and three Meritorious Unit Commendations.