Captain Mike Eberlein, a native of Chapel Hill, NC, graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1996 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics and Mathematics, receiving his commission through Officer Candidate School. He later also received a Masters degree in Business Administration from UNC - Chapel Hill.
His submarine assignments include as a division officer in USS JAMES K. POLK (SSN 645) and USS HYMAN G RICKOVER (SSN 709), Engineer in USS MAINE (SSBN 741) (BLUE), and Executive Officer in USS HOUSTON (SSN 713). During his sea tours he completed a Mediterranean deployment, a North Atlantic deployment, five strategic deterrent patrols, and several Western Pacific missions while forward deployed out of Guam.
His staff assignments include instructor duty at the Duke University Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps unit, Engineer in Submarine Squadron Twenty Two, La Maddalena, Italy, and Submarine Group Eight, Naples, Italy, National Reconnaissance Office Senior Field Representative to Headquarters, U.S. Pacific Command, and Deputy Commander for Readiness at Submarine Squadron ONE.
He commanded Naval Submarine Support Command Pearl Harbor and Undersea Rescue Command, San Diego. At Undersea Rescue Command he led the rescue mission for the missing Argentine submarine ARA SAN JUAN, the first full deployment of the U.S. rescue system. His team received the Meritorious Unit Citation and the Submarine Squadron Eleven Battle Efficiency “E” in 2017 and 2018.
Captain Eberlein’s personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (seven awards), and Navy Achievement Medal (three awards), as well as various unit awards.
He is married to the former Jennifer Garrison of Chapel Hill, NC. They reside with their two sons, Will and Chris, in Silverdale, WA.