Naval Undersea Warfare Center Newport

Commander
Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Newport

Captain Todd W. Cramerbegan his Navy career in 1981, enlisting as an Electronics Technician in the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program. He completed ET-A School, Nuclear Power School and nuclear prototype training before receiving an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy, Class of 1987.

Upon graduation from USNA, he completed the nuclear training pipeline once more and reported to his first submarine, USS GEORGIA (SSBN 729 GOLD) in April 1989 and completed six strategic deterrent patrols. Following this assignment, CAPT Cramer reported to Joint Staff (J-4) to serve one year internship on the Joint Staff. He then served on the Secretary of Navy’s immediate staff. During this shore duty tour, CAPT Cramer completed a master’s degree in Engineering Management at Catholic University.

CAPT Cramer completed the Submarine Officer Advanced Course in May 1995 and reported as Engineer onboard USS CHARLOTTE (SSN 766). He completed the Post-Shakedown Availability and homeport change to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, as well as, CHARLOTTE’s maiden deployment to the Western Pacific. Following his department head tour, he reported to Naval Reactors in Washington DC for duty in the Line Locker as a technical assistant on propulsion plant matters. During his off-duty hours, he completed Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) Phase I. He concluded his shore tour at the Joint Forces Staff College completing JPME Phase II.

CAPT Cramer reported as Executive Officer on USS CHICAGO (SSN 721) in July 2000 and completed one WESTPAC deployment while onboard. He transferred back to Washington DC for duty on the staff of the Chief of Naval Personnel serving as the Submarine Officer Community Manager and Nuclear Officer Program Manager.

CAPT Cramer relieved as Commanding Officer, USS VIRGINIA (SSN 774) in December 2004 shortly after the ship was commissioned. During his command tour, he led the crew through the ship’s very successful maiden deployment as well as numerous lead ship tests and evaluations. The ship received the Navy’s Meritorious Unit Commendation award for superb performance. CAPT Cramer was a finalist for the 2007 VADM James Bond Stockdale Leadership Award for “inspirational leadership” during his command tour. CAPT Cramer reported to Submarine Squadron FOUR in May 2007. During his tour as Deputy Commander, he continued his efforts with the Virginia Class overseeing the first three ships as well as preparing two other ships for deployment. CAPT Cramer reported to NAVSUBSCOL in December 2007 for duty as a PCO Instructor. CAPT Cramer assumed command of the Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Division, Newport, on July 16, 2010.

CAPT Cramer is entitled to wear the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal with four gold stars, the Joint Commendation Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal with four gold stars, the Navy Achievement Medal with two gold stars, and various other unit awards.