Distinguished Military Service
Captain Keith A. Knutsen (CHS Class of 1986) retired from the U.S. Navy in October 2022 after 36 years of distinguished service. His final role was as Commanding Officer of Engineering Assessments Pacific, where he oversaw the engineering training, inspection, and certification of all ships in the Pacific Fleet for five years.
Captain Knutsen was appointed to the United States Naval Academy by Senator Charles Grassley, graduating in 1990 with a Bachelor of Science in General Engineering. Captain Knutsen attended the United States Naval War College, earning a Master’s Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies.
Captain Knutsen’s sea duty began aboard the USS Fletcher (DD 992) as Auxiliaries Officer, Navigator, and Chief Engineer. He subsequently served on USS Kinkaid (DD 965), USS Port Royal (CG 73), and commanded multiple vessels including USS Pelican (MHC 53) and USS Taylor (FFG 50). His leadership extended to operations enforcing United Nations sanctions in the Persian Gulf, and he deployed to areas of strategic importance including Iraq, the Mediterranean, and the Black Sea, where USS Taylor supported NATO efforts during the 2008 Russo-Georgian conflict. He was later promoted Commodore of the Mine Counter Measures THREE Squadron, responsible for nine Mine Sweepers (MCMs); five in San Diego and four in Bahrain.
He also held several significant shore assignments, including time at the Chief of Naval Operations staff in Washington, DC, roles in Basra, Iraq as the U.S. 5th Fleet representative to Multinational Division Southeast and Senior Military Advisor to the United States State Department Regional Embassy Office, and Deputy Director of the Senior Officer Ship Material Readiness Course.
His awards include the Legion of Merit (2 awards), Meritorious Service Medal (4 awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (4 awards), and Navy Achievement Medal (2 awards). Captain Knutsen now resides in Jacksonville, Florida.