Cmdr. Andrew C. “Sausage” Crouse is a native of Easton, Missouri. He was commissioned through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) at the University of Missouri after graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Systems Management in 2005. Upon graduation, he reported to Naval Air Station Pensacola to begin flight training, and was designated an E-2 Hawkeye Naval Flight Officer in 2008.
After finishing training at Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 120, he reported to the “Seahawks” of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 126 for his initial fleet assignment in 2008. He graduated from the United States Navy Strike Fighter Weapons School “TOPGUN” in 2009 as an Air Intercept Controller. Crouse completed one combat deployment onboard USS Harry S Truman (CVN 75) in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2010. He also participated in joint exercises Eagle Arena in Egypt and Falcon Air Meet in Jordan as an Air Intercept Controller.
Upon completion of his initial fleet tour, Crouse reported to Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center and graduated from the Carrier Airborne Early Warning Weapons School as a Weapons and Tactics Instructor in 2012. He served as the subject matter expert for Integrated Air and Missile Defense and Naval Integrated Fire Control – Counter Air while assigned to the Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center from 2012 to 2015.
He is a 2016 graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College in Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas, and received a master’s degree in Adult and Continuing Education from Kansas State University.
In September 2016, Crouse returned to Norfolk, Virginia and reported to the “Tigertails” of Airborne Command & Control Squadron (VAW) 125 where he served as the Safety, Operations, and Maintenance Officer. He played a vital role during the 2017 homeport change from Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, which brought the E-2D Hawkeye to Forward Deployed Naval Forces onboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). Crouse completed four patrols with Carrier Air Wing Five onboard USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). He 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 assumed command of Naval Magazine Indian Island and Navy Munitions Command Pacific CONUS West Division Unit Indian Island on June 24, 2021.
Crouse has logged over 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.
Last Updated: 17 May 2022