Commander Peter Keuss, a native of St. Louis, Missouri, enlisted in the Navy in 1994 and served as an Aviation Electrician on TA-4J, UH-3H, and E-6A/B aircraft. In 2001, selected for Seaman-to-Admiral-21 commissioning program and graduated from Old Dominion University in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology, and was “winged” as a Naval Aviator in March 2008. Keuss reported to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 2 “Fleet Angels” for initial training in the MH-60S Knighthawk.  

Keuss began operational flight with the “Chargers” of HSC-26. He completed two deployments to the Kingdom of Bahrain in support of Commander, Task Force 53 (TF 53) and Operations IRAQI FREEDOM, ENDURING FREEDOM, and NEW DAWN. He later completed his Department Head tour with the “Tridents” of HSC-9, a component of CVW-8 and CSG-2 attached to the USS GEORGE H.W. BUSH (CVN 77) and USS GERALD R. FORD (CVN 78). Additionally, Keuss deployed as officer-in-charge of HSC-26 “Desert Hawks” from the Kingdom of Bahrain in support of TF 53 and Operations INHERENT RESOLVE and FREEDOM SENTINEL.  

Additional sea assignment includes Aviation Fuels Officer and Air Officer aboard USS SAN ANTONIO (LPD 17) qualifying as officer of the deck, command duty officer, and tactical action officer deployed with the USS WASP ARG and 22 MEU in support of Operation ODYSSEY LIGHTING.  

Ashore, Keuss served as an MH-60S instructor pilot with the “Fleet Angels” of HSC-2 from May 2012 to December 2014. In August 2022, completed staff assignment with the Joint Staff, Joint Force Development Directorate, Joint Exercise Division, serving as a strategic exercise planner for the Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff Globally Integrated Exercise program. While at the Joint Staff, selected for operational command of the “Golden Falcons” of HSC-12 in Atsugi, Japan.  

Keuss has accrued over 2,000 flight hours and is a joint qualified officer. His decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal and various other personal and unit level awards. 

Last Updated: 7 September 2023