Major DuChene was born January, 29, 1984 in Dearborn, Michigan. He attended Western Michigan University and graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Aeronautical Engineering and Minor in Mathematics. He received his commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant on 5 May 2006.
Major Duchene graduated The Basic School in June of 2007 and checked in for Naval Aviator Flight School in July 2007. He was a student pilot in VT-6 for primary, VT-35 for multiengine advanced training, and HT-28 for advanced helicopter training. Major DuChene was winged as a Naval Aviator in October 2009.
Major DuChene reported to VMMT-204, MCAS New River in November of 2009 to begin initial flight training on the MV-22B Osprey. After completion of this assignment, Major DuChene reported to VMM-264 the “Black Knights” of MAG-26. Major DuChene deployed three times with the Black Knights in support of Operation Enduring Freedom 11.1 and Operation Enduring Freedom 13.1, and SPMAGTF-CR Africa 14.2 accruing over 400 combat flight hours in support of Marine, Combined and Joint Forces. Major DuChene’s ground assignments at VMM-264 included squadron S-6 officer, S-4A, Flight Line OIC, Current Operations Officer, Future Operations Officer, Pilot Training Officer, Quality Assurance Officer, Assistant Operations Officer and Squadron Weapons and Tactics Officer.
In June of 2015, Major DuChene reported to MAWTS-1 for duty as a MV-22 Osprey Instructor Pilot. During his tenure, he was the subject matter expert in MV-22 Aerial Gunnery, Reduced Visibility Landings, and Digital Interoperability for the Osprey division. Additionally, Major DuChene completed his Master’s Degree in Systems Analysis from the Naval Postgraduate School.
In August of 2017, Major DuChene reported to VMX-1 for duty as the Assault Support Department Head in charge of the AH-1, UH-1, MV-22, CH-53 operational test programs. Major DuChene was the lead operational test director for Digital Interoperability Testing and White Phosphor Night Vision Device evaluation on the MV-22. Additionally, Major DuChene completed his Master’s of Business Administration from New England Collage. In June 2019, Major DuChene executed orders to VMM-362, the “Ugly Angels,” to assume the duties of Aircraft Maintenance Officer, before assuming the duties of Executive Officer in June 2020.
Major DuChene’s personal awards include Air Medal with “V”/Strike/Flight Numeral 7, One Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, One Navy and Marine Corps Commendation medal and National Defense. He has held all MV-22 qualifications and designations and has flown over 2,000 flight hours including over 700 while utilizing night vision goggles. Eric is married to his wife Robin and they have one son Connor and two daughters Brianna and Astrid. They currently reside in San Diego, California.