CDR Ben Larson is a native of Illinois. He earned a B.A. degree from Evangel University and subsequent academic achievements include earning a Master of Public Health at the George Washington University and completion of a Master of Professional Studies in Geospatial Information Sciences from the University of Maryland.
CDR Larson first enlisted in the armed forces with the US Coast Guard in May 2001. Upon serving just under one year on the US Coast Guard Cutter “Tarpon” and completion of Health Service Technician “A” School at Petaluma, CA, CDR Larson had a follow-on enlisted assignment at the US Coast Guard Headquarters Medical Clinic in Washington DC. CDR Larson separated from active duty in 2005 as a second class petty officer after completing four years of active duty in the Coast Guard and began a civilian job at the US Environmental Protection Agency shortly thereafter.
In July 2007, CDR Larson re-enlisted with the US Navy Reserves as an Intelligence Specialist Second Class Petty Officer. After completing the Navy Basic Intelligence Program (NBIT) in 2008, CDR Larson completed a follow-on enlisted reserve assignment with VAQ-209 (EA-6B squadron). This tour included two operational deployments in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2009 and 2010 and completion of the “Operational Intelligence” – Phase I course.
Upon return from Afghanistan in 2010, CDR Larson was commissioned as a reserve Environmental Health Officer in 2011. After commissioning, CDR Larson was assigned to the USMC’s 2nd Civil Affairs Group (formerly 4th Civil Affairs Group) from 2011 through 2014 and EMF Bethesda from 2014 through 2016 including as an Assistant Training Officer. CDR Larson was then assigned to Surgical Company Bravo under the 4th Medical Battalion in 2016 and served as the company’s Executive Officer from 2019 through April 2024 and the Medical Services Corp Senior Executive from Nov 2023 through April 2024. During this period, he was recalled to active duty on ADOS orders to support force health protection during COVID-19 at US Marine Corps Forces, Pacific (MARFORPAC) from April 2020 through Sep 2020. In July 2024, CDR Larson was then assigned as the company’s Commanding Officer.
CDR Larson earned the Fleet Marine Warfare device as well as the enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist. His personal awards and decorations include the Navy Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two awards), Army Achievement Medal, and various other ribbon and campaign medals.
In addition to his primary specialization in Environmental Health, CDR Larson holds certifications as a Project Management Professional (Project Management Institute), Registered Environmental Health Specialist and Certified Professional – Food Safety (both from the National Environmental Health Association). CDR Larson continues to serve as a civilian employee at the US Environmental Protection Agency, currently serving in the Office of Transportation and Air Quality under the Fuels Program.