BIOGRAPHY:

         LTJG Keith Cross, NSCC is a native of West Haven, Connecticut. As a child, Keith enjoyed special trips with his father to the Nautilus Museum, where they explored and learned about various submarines. His father, a former Airman Second Class in the U.S. Air Force, later became an Electrical Engineer for the Southern New England Telephone Company. In 1991, Keith graduated from Platt Regional Vocational Technical High School as an apprentice electrician and subsequently became a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW).

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             In 2015, Keith was introduced to the Naval Sea Cadets when his eldest son enrolled in the Edson Division in New Haven, CT. Impressed by the positive impact the program had on his son, Keith initially volunteered as a parent. In 2018, he officially joined the Sea Cadets as an instructor. The following year, he transferred to the Nautilus (SSN-571) Division, serving in an auxiliary role and relishing the opportunity to be based at the Naval Submarine Base.

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            By 2020, Keith was promoted to Instructor. His leadership journey continued with his promotion to Ensign in February 2021, followed by his advancement to Executive Officer in September of the same year. In March 2022, he assumed command of both the Nautilus Division (SSN-571) and Training Ship Nathan Hale. In February 2023, he was promoted to Lieutenant Junior Grade (LTJG). Additionally, Keith has taken charge of the Submarine Seminar Training for the Northeast Region and has assisted with NSWOC (Naval Special Warfare Orientation Course) training at Pugzee Farm for the Northeast Region.

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           LTJG Cross currently resides in Wallingford, Connecticut, with his wife, Gina, and their pets—one cat named Charlie, and three dogs: Major, Lizzo, and Julian. He is a proud father of three children: Arthur, a former Petty Officer First Class with the Edson Division and currently an Airman Machinist Mate Second Class in the U.S. Navy; Megan, a junior at Albertus Magnus College studying Sociology with a minor in Special Education; and Adam, a junior at Vinyl Tech Regional High School, enrolled in the Machine, Tool, and Die program. Adam is also active in baseball, basketball, and a rifle club.

Professionally, Keith works full-time with Metro North Railroad as an electrician in the power department. In his free time, LTJG Cross enjoys going to the shooting range with his children, spending time with his family, and participating as a member of the Wallingford Elks.

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           Over the course of his service, LTJG Keith Cross has earned several notable awards, including the USNSCC Community Service Ribbon, USNSCC Escort Officer Ribbon (in lieu of a 5th award), USNSCC 25th and 50th Unit Commissioned Ribbons, USNSCC Unit Commendation Ribbon, and the USNSCC President’s Service Award in 2020,2022.and 2023.