CDR Donald J. Peterson

Commander Petersen is a native Californian and graduate of University of Texas, Arlington with a Bachelor of Science in Architecture. In 2004 he received a direct commission and began his career as a Civil Engineer Corps Officer.

In February 2004, he was assigned to Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit 303, Detachment DELTA in San Jose, CA. In October 2004, he was re-assigned and stood up Naval Special Warfare Combat Service Support Detachment THREE as the officer-in-charge, supporting all West Coast SEAL Teams. He was the first Civil Engineer Corps Officer assigned and is a plank owner. In March 2007, he was transferred to NMCB EIGHTEEN as the officer-in-charge of detachment 1018 in San Jose, Calif. In May 2007, Petersen volunteered for deployment with NMCB SEVENTEEN and was assigned as the assistant operation officer (S3A) and deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2007-2008. Upon the Battalion’s return from deployment, he was assigned as the Battalion Training Officer (S7) and later the Air Detachment OIC (AD6) / Delta Company Commander (D6). In 2011, Petersen volunteered to mobilize with FIRST NCR as the Future Operations Officer (R35). He completed his tour with 1NCR as the Assistant Operation Officer (R3A). In March, 2013, he volunteered to deploy with NMCB TWO EIGHT in support of OEF and deployed to Afghanistan as the Air Det / Det 04 OIC ISO Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan (CJSOTF-A). At the request of NMCB TWO FIVE’s Commanding Officer, Petersen transferred to NMCB TWO FIVE as the Det 04 OIC and Joint Engineer (J7) for CJSOTF-A where he was responsible for all construction, maintenance and real estate transactions for CJSOTF-A until November 2014. Upon return from deployment in December 2014, CDR Petersen reported to NMCB TWO TWO as the Operations Officer (S3) where he led the battalion through a successful Field Training Exercise in April 2015 and supported two separate deployments. In December 2017, he served as the interim Executive Officer for NMCB TWO TWO until June 2018 while concurrently serving as a Contingency Engineer for NAVFAC CEU. In June 2018, Petersen was transferred to FIRST NCR as the Engineering Exchange Officer and assigned to the US Army 903rd Forward Engineer Support Team - Advance. In January 2021, Petersen was assigned to NR FFC JTF DET 307 in Greensboro, NC as the Contingency Engineer and N7 Training Officer. CDR Petersen was selected for Command of NMCB TWO TWO in March of 2022.

CDR Petersen is licensed architect and works as a Construction General Superintendent in Northern California. He is a qualified Seabee Combat Warfare (Battalion & Regiment), and Fleet Marine Force Qualified Officer. His personal awards include the Joint Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (4), Army Commendation Medal (2), Navy Achievement Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, and other service and campaign awards.