Capt. Nicolas B. Leclerc is a native of Westlake Village, California, and graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2000, earning a Bachelor ofScience in Computer Science. He was commissioned and reported to NAS Pensacola, FL for flight training in July 2000. He earned his Wings in December 2001 and in January 2002, he reported to the Airborne Mine Counter Measures Weapons System Training School for initial fleet training as an MH-53E pilot.
He has served at sea with the HC-4 Black Stallions, as the USS CLEVELAND Air Officer, as Operations Officer with the HSC-6 Indians, and as the Executive and Commanding Officer of the HSC-21 Blackjacks, where he saw the squadron awarded the 2017 Commander, Naval Air Force Pacific, Battle Efficiency Award. He also served as the commissioning Air Officer onboard USS TRIOPLI, qualifying an entire Amphibious Assault Ship Air Department to conduct inaugural air operations.
Ashore, Leclerc has served with the HSC-3 Merlins as a fleet replacement instructor and lead evaluator in the CNO’s SAR Model Manager Office, with the resources directorate of U.S. Africa Command, and with the Commander, Naval Surface Force Pacific, N42, developing training and requirements for aviation capable surface ships.
Most recently, he has completed a tour at NATO Headquarters, acting as the Policy and Programs Section Head, in the Cooperative Security Division of the International Military Staff.
He has deployed worldwide, ashore and afloat, flying both the MH-53E Sea Dragon, and the MH-60S Seahawk, supporting Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. On Aug. 24, 2023 assumed command of Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi, Japan.
Leclerc has accumulated over 2,300 flight hours in two fleet aircraft. His awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Strike/Flight Air Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and various service awards.
Last Updated: 4 September 2023