Capt. Eric Felder is a native of Perry, Georgia. He received his commissioning and Bachelor of Science in Chemistry in 1999 from Florida A&M University. Capt. Felder also received a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering and a Master in Business Administration both from the Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA.

Capt. Felder’s operational assignments include USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) where he served as Main Propulsion Division Officer, qualifying Surface Warfare Officer and Steam Engineering Officer of the Watch. Supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom, he deployed to the Middle East as Special Boat Team Twelve Officer in Charge for RIB Detachment November, performing various training missions and platform security in the Northern Arabian Gulf.

Capt. Felder earned his Engineering Duty Officer qualifications while serving as a Ship Superintendent at U.S. Naval Ship Repair Facility and Japan Regional Maintenance Center, Yokosuka, Japan. During his time at SRF-JRMC he also served as Command Docking Officer and Surface Ship Type Desk Officer. In 2010, he reported to Supervisor of Shipbuilding Gulf Coast as the Production Officer for PCU America (LHA 6). Just prior to LHA 6’s delivery to the fleet, Capt. Felder detached to United States Military Training Mission (USMTM) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. As Engineering Advisor, he oversaw training and sustainment efforts of the Royal Saudi Navy’s Eastern Fleet.

In 2014, Capt. Felder served as Assistant Program Manager (APM) Test and Trials for DDG 1000, USS Zumwalt. Remaining at NAVSEA, he was assigned to PMS 317, LPD Program Office. As Principal Assistant Program Manager (PAPM), he was responsible for PDT&T and Fleet transfer of USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26) and USS Portland (LPD 27). Capt. Felder went on to develop requirements and budget justification for Unmanned Surface Vessels as Future Ship Requirements Officer at OPNAV N96, Surface Warfare Division.
Prior to his assignment to PMS 300, Capt. Felder served as Deputy Technical Director for Surface Ship Design and Systems Engineering Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA 05D).

He has received various personal, unit and service awards including the Defense Meritorious Service Medal and Navy Meritorious Service Medal (two awards). Capt. Felder holds Level 3 certifications in Program Management, Engineering, and Production, Quality and Manufacturing. He has been a member of the Defense Acquisition Corp since 2011.