PORT HADLOCK — Cmdr. Andrew C. Crouse will relieve Cmdr. Donald W. Emerson as commanding officer of Naval Magazine Indian Island during a change of command ceremony on the installation’s pier on June 24.
The 10 a.m. ceremony is not open to the general public. Attendance is by invitation only.
Emerson assumed command of Naval Magazine Indian Island and Naval Munitions Command Pacific CONUS West Division Unit Indian Island on June 28, 2019.
A native of Great Bend, Pa., Emerson graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in 2002 with a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering. He reported to flight school and earned his wings in December 2004.
Emerson has more than 2,400 flight hours in both fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft. His personal awards include a Meritorious Service Medal, an Air Medal, three Navy Commendation Medals, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and various unit and campaign awards.
Emerson’s next assignment will be on USS Makin Island (LHD 8) based in San Diego, Calif.
Crouse is a native of Easton, Mo. He was commissioned through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) at the University of Missouri after graduating with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural systems management in 2005.
Upon graduation, he reported to Naval Air Station Pensacola to begin flight training, and he was designated an E-2 Hawkeye Naval Flight Officer in 2008.
Crouse most recently reported to U.S. Strategic Command in May 2019 and served as a cyber watch officer and global network operations control center deputy branch chief.
Crouse has logged more than 2,000 flight hours in the E-2 Hawkeye. His awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Strike/Flight Air Medal, Navy Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and numerous other campaign and unit awards.
