Major Eric K. Nilsson graduated from Clemson University in 2009 with a B.S. in Economics. While attending college, he served as an Ammunition Technician in 4th Supply BN, 4th MLG. He graduated from the Basic School in April 2011 and subsequently reported to Pensacola, Florida for flight training. Major Nilsson was designated as a Naval Aviator in March 2013 and subsequently reported to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Training Squadron 303 at Camp Pendleton, California for training in the AH-1W.
After completion of initial AH-1W training, Major Nilsson reported Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 467 (HMLA-467) at MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina. In 2016 he deployed with the 22d Marine Expeditionary Unit and flew in support of Operation ODYSSEY LIGHTNING. Upon returning from deployment, he checked into HMLA-269 at MCAS New River, North Carolina.
In 2017 Major Nilsson reported to 2d Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 2d Marine Division, where he served as a Forward Air Controller, Battalion Air Officer, JTAC Instructor, and small UAS program manager. He returned to HMLA-269 in the fall of 2018. The following spring, Major Nilsson attended Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) Course 2-19 at Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1) in Yuma, AZ. He continued to serve with HMLA-269 over the next year as an AH-1W WTI.
From July 2020 to July 2023 Major Nilsson served as in instructor and department head in the Air Officer/TACP Department at MAWTS-1. While in Yuma, he converted to fly the AH-1Z.
In August 2023, Major Nilsson reported to HMLA-167 where he served as the Operations Officer. In October 2024, he assumed his duties as the Executive Officer of HMLA-167.
Major Nilsson’s personal awards included the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal (Strike/Flight), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.