Upon his completion, as a Naval Aviator, he reported to Attack Squadron 176 (VA-176) aboard the aircraft carrier USS Shangri-La (CVA-38), where he served until April 1963 in flying the A-1H Skyraider.

In 1976, Larson assumed duties as Commander, Submarine Development Group ONE in San Diego, California, in which he headed the Navy's worldwide deep submergence program.

He also served on three corporate boards in the fields of electrical power generation and distribution, oil exploration and production and international service and construction.

[3][4] Larson had reserved four plots at the Academy cemetery for himself, his classmate and close friend Senator John McCain, and their wives.

McCain died on August 25, 2018 (at the age of 81), and was buried on September 2 in the plot next to Larson; the admiral's widow Sally remarked that "Chuck has his wingman back now".