A native of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Capt. Ted “Thumbs” Elkins graduated from Liberty University in 1999 with a Bachelor of Science in Social Science. Elkins received his commission from Officer Candidate School on May 26, 2000, and was designated an Unrestricted Naval Aviator on April 12, 2002.
Upon completion of UH/VH-3H Fleet Replacement Pilot Training in November 2002, Elkins reported to the Fleet Angels of Helicopter Combat Support Squadron Two (HC-2), in Norfolk, VA for his initial sea tour. While at HC-2, Elkins completed deployments to 5th Fleet with the Desert Ducks in Manama, Bahrain, to 6th Fleet with the Ghost Riders aboard the USS La Salle (AGF 3), and to Hurricane Katrina Relief Operations aboard the USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7).
In February 2006 Elkins went ashore and transitioned to the MH-60S and served as a Fleet Replacement Squadron Instructor Pilot at Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron Two (HSC-2), serving in the Operations and Maintenance departments.
Returning to sea, in June 2008 Elkins reported as Safety Officer onboard USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) where he qualified as Officer of the Deck (Underway) and Command Duty Officer (In Port). In August 2011 Elkins reported, as a Department Head, to the Sea Knights of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron Two Two (HSC-22). He served as Safety Officer, Maintenance Officer, and deployed to 5th and 6th Fleet as Officer-in-Charge of Detachment ONE, embarked aboard USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7).
Following his Department Head tour, Elkins reported to the U.S. Naval War College, Newport, RI and graduated with a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies. In January of 2015, Elkins reported to NATO Allied Joint Force Command Naples, Italy where he served in both the J2 as an Exercise Planner and as an Intelligence Officer for the Joint Logistics Support Group.
In August 2017 Elkins reported to the Dusty Dogs of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron Seven (HSC-7) as Executive Officer. He assumed command in December of 2018 and led the Dusty Dogs through workups and the 2020 deployment with Carrier Air Wing Three (CVW-3) aboard USS Eisenhower (CVN 69). During his time with the Dusty Dogs, they earned two Chief of Naval Operations Safety “S” awards and the Battle Effectiveness “Battle E” award.
Following his command tour, Elkins reported aboard USS Wasp (LHD 1) as the Air Officer. Most recently Elkins served as the Director of Force Protection, U.S. Fleet Forces Command in Norfolk, VA.
His personal military decorations include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (2 awards), Air Medal (Individual), Navy Commendation Medal (3 awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and various unit and campaign awards.
Last Updated: 12 July 2024