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Commander Charles Robert Kreuz
Executive Officer, Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 77
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CDR Kreuz was born in Corpus Christi, Texas and spent the majority of his childhood in the Middle East, graduating high school in Cairo, Egypt. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2007, earning a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. CDR Kreuz was designated a Naval Aviator in 2008 and reported to the HSL-40 “Airwolves” in Mayport, Florida for initial fleet training in the SH-60B Seahawk.
CDR Kreuz was assigned to his first operational flying in 2009 with the “Easyriders” of HSL-37 in Kaneohe, Hawaii. While at HSL-37, he completed his first deployment on USS REUBEN JAMES (FFG 57) in support of SEVENTH Fleet operations and RIMPAC 2010. In 2012, he deployed on USS SAMPSON (DDG 102) as the Detachment Maintenance Officer in support of FIFTH Fleet counter-piracy operations, as well as SIXTH, and SEVENTH Fleet operations.
In 2013, CDR Kreuz reported to the “Seahawks” of HSM-41 in San Diego, California where he transitioned to the MH-60R Seahawk and served as a Fleet Replacement Squadron Instructor Pilot and the Standardization and IUT officer. While at HSM-41, he earned a Master of Systems Analysis degree from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School.
CDR Kreuz then reported to USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN 69) in 2015 where he served as the V-0 and V-4 Division Officer during “IKE’s” 2016 deployment in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE. Upon return to homeport in Norfolk, Virginia, CDR Kreuz assumed duties as the TOPCAT and V-2 Division Officer, helping lead Air Department through a sustainment phase and a shipyard availability period.
In 2018, CDR Kreuz returned to flying duty as a Department Head with the HSM-71 “Raptors” in San Diego, California. While at HSM-71, he completed a deployment to FIFTH and SEVENTH Fleets on USS JOHN C. STENNIS (CVN 74) as the squadron Safety Department Head and on USS SPRUANCE (DDG 111) as the Combat Element THREE Officer-in-Charge. Ashore, CDR Kreuz served as the Maintenance Officer and was selected as the squadron’s 2020 Officer of the Year.
Following his department head tour, CDR Kreuz reported to the Deputy Directorate for Nuclear Operations and Homeland Defense (J-36), Joint Chiefs of Staff at the Pentagon. While at the J-36, CDR Kreuz served as Presidential Strike Advisor, Emergency Action Officer, and Assistant Deputy Director for Operations on Operations Team TWO, and was later hand-selected to serve in the Nuclear Operations Division as the Nuclear Surety Branch Chief and Presidential Strike Advisor lead evaluator.
CDR Kreuz has accumulated over 2,100 flight hours in naval aircraft. His awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (two awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two awards), and various unit and campaign awards.
Last Updated: 13 September 2023
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