Rear Admiral Erin P. Osborne graduated from the University of Notre Dame, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in 1995 and received her commission through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps. After successfully completing flight training, Rear Admiral Osborne was designated a Naval Aviator in 1997.  She is a 2016 graduate of the National War College and holds a Master’s degree in National Security Strategy. 

Throughout her service, Rear Admiral Osborne fulfilled various operational tours including: Patrol Squadron NINE (VP-9); USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) serving as the V-2 Division Officer on her maiden deployment to the Arabian Gulf; and Special Projects Patrol Squadron TWO (VPU-2), where she served as the Maintenance Officer and Operations Officer.  She has completed 11 deployments to various locations including: Iraq, Afghanistan, Djibouti, Diego Garcia, Japan, Sigonella and the Arabian Gulf in support of Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.

Command assignments include Patrol Squadron FIVE (VP-5) where she deployed to Kadena, Japan and transitioned the squadron from the P-3C Orion to the P-8A Poseidon; and Commander Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing TEN (CPRW-10) in Whidbey Island, Wa.

Her shore assignments include Patrol Squadron THIRTY (VP-30) as Pilot NATOPS Evaluator; Joint Chiefs of Staff, as the J65A Branch Chief for the Improvised Explosive Device (IED) - Defeat Branch, and representative to Joint IED Defeat Organization (JIEDDO); Executive Assistant to Commander, Naval Air Forces; OPNAV N802 as the Strategic Communications and Alignment Branch Head; Chief of Staff to Commander U.S. Naval Forces Central Command; Maritime Operations Center Director for FIFTH Fleet; Executive Assistant to Director Air Warfare (N98); and Executive Assistant to the Vice Chief of Naval Operations.  She assumed the role of Joint Staff, Strategy Plans, and Policy (J5) Deputy Director for Political Military Affairs (Middle East, Africa) in April 2024.

Rear Admiral Osborne has accumulated over 5,000 flight hours.  Her decorations include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Navy Commendation Medal and various campaign, unit and service awards.

Last Updated: 21 June 2024