Rear Adm. Cruz is a native of Brentwood, New York. He is a 1994 graduate of the United States Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. During his career, he earned a Master of Arts in National Security Strategy from the National War College, and he was designated a joint qualified officer.

His sea duty assignments include: USS Shiloh (CG 67); USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79); Commander, Destroyer Squadron Two Eight (CDS 28); and USS Lake Chaplain (CG 57). He has deployed multiple times to the U.S. 5th, 6th, and 7th Fleets. As commanding officer of USS Mason (DDG 87), he completed a Strike Group deployment to the U.S. 5th Fleet and served as the flagship for the Counter Piracy Task Force (CTF-151). As commanding officer, USS Lewis Puller (ESB 3), he sailed the ship on its maiden deployment and completed the Navy’s first overseas commissioning. As commander of Destroyer Squadron 50/Task Force 55 in Manama, Bahrain, he commanded a Task Force of forward deployed patrol coastal ships, Coast Guard cutters, the Maritime Security Advanced Interdiction Team, and deployed destroyers.

Shore assignments include flag aide to Commander, Military Sealift Command; action officer in the Navy Staff Surface Warfare Directorate (N86); future operations director on the staff of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command; director of Professional Development at the United States Naval Academy; assistant deputy director for Politico-Military Affairs on the Joint Staff, deputy for Combat Systems and Warfare Integration (N96) on the Navy Staff, and deputy director for Politico-Military Affairs (Middle East, Africa) on the Joint Staff.

Cruz assumed his current duties as Commander, Carrier Strike Group THREE in May 2024.

Cruz’s personal awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal (DSSM), Legion of Merit (four awards), Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Navy Commendation Medal (five awards), and Navy Achievement Medal (two awards).