Commanding Officer
Executive Officer

Commanding Officer

CAPTAIN JAMES H. KRUSE

United States Navy

CAPT James H. Kruse is a 1981 graduate of Central Michigan University where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology.  He was commissioned through Aviation Officer Candidate School in January 1983 and was designated a Naval Aviator in June 1984.

Following flight training, CAPT Kruse reported to Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Seven (HS-7), embarked in USS John F Kennedy, flying the SH-3 Sea King .  He then reported to Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron  One (HS-1) as a flight instructor.

CAPT Kruse’s second sea tour was as the Navigator of USS Guadalcanal where he earned his Surface Warfare Officer designation.  He then reported to the Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA where he graduated “With Distinction,” earning a Masters of Arts degree in National Security Affairs with an emphasis on the Middle East.

In September, 1994, CAPT Kruse reported to Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Ten (HS-10) for transition training in the H-60 Seahawk prior to reporting to Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Eight (HS-8), embarked in USS Nimitz, for his Department Head tour. Prior to returning to HS-10 as Executive Officer, CAPT Kruse served as the first Officer in Charge of the COMHSWINGPAC Weapons Training Unit.

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In October 1999, CAPT Kruse reported to Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Four (HS-4) embarked in USS Abraham Lincoln, as Executive Officer.  He assumed Command in December 2000.  Under his command, HS-4 earned two Battle Efficiency Awards, the Jimmy Thach Award, the Arnold J Isbell Trophy and the Silver Anchor.

Following his command tour, CAPT Kruse served as a National Security Fellow at the Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University.  In the summer of 2003, he transferred to the staff of Commander Sixth Fleet, forward deployed to Gaeta, Italy, embarked in USS LaSalle, as the Deputy Director for Plans. 

CAPT Kruse assumed command of the Gamecock NROTC Battalion, University of South Carolina on 11 August, 2005.

CAPT Kruse has deployed to the Caribbean, Mediterranean, North Atlantic, Western Pacific and Persian Gulf.  He has amassed more than 4,000 flight hours and has been awarded the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal and various campaign and unit awards.

     CDR Schwarz is a 1988 graduate of The Ohio State University with a Bachelors of Science degree in Civil Engineering. He was commissioned an Ensign in the United States Navy through the Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC). Following graduation he attended Aviation Indoctrination and Naval Flight Training in Pensacola, Florida and Corpus Christi, Texas and received his wings in April 1990. 

      CDR Schwarz reported in September 1990 to HSL-40, the SH-60B Fleet Replacement Squadron, and graduated in April 1991. His first fleet assignment was to HSL-46 in which he deployed extensively to the Caribbean in support of Counter Drug Operations. In addition, he made a Persian Gulf deployment from February to August 1993 onboard USS DEWERT (FFG-45) as part of HSL-46 Detachment 8 in support of Operation Southern Watch. CDR Schwarz held administrative billets as the squadron Assistant Training Officer and Quality Assurance Officer. 

      His next assignment in July 1994 was to HSL-40 as a flight instructor. During this tour CDR Schwarz held billets that included Tactical Curriculum Officer, Maintenance Division Officer and NATOPS Officer. 

      In January 1997, CDR Schwarz reported to Commander, Cruiser Destroyer Group Twelve (CCDG-12) as the Assistant Air Operations Officer for Undersea Warfare. During this tour he deployed onboard USS ENTERPRISE (CVN-65) to the Mediterranean Sea and the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Desert Fox and Operation Noble Anvil. 

      CDR Schwarz reported to HSL-46 as a Department Head in February 2000 after brief stops at the Fleet Replacement Squadron and Aviation Safety Officer’s school. As Officer in Charge, he led HSL-46 Detachment 1 through a Mediterranean Sea deployment from April to October 2001 onboard USS THORN (DD-988) as part of Enterprise Battle Group. His Department Head billets included Tactics/Training Officer and the Safety Officer while attached to HSL-46.

      In August 2002, CDR Schwarz reported to the United States Marine Corps Command and Staff College in Quantico, Virginia. He graduated in June 2003 with a Masters of Military Studies. 

      CDR Schwarz reported to the Director, Strategy and Policy Division, Office of the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (Information, Plans and Strategy) where he served as a warfare policy action officer until July 2006. CDR Schwarz reported to his current assignment as Executive Officer of the University of South Carolina NROTC Unit in August 2006. 

      CDR Schwarz’s personal awards include Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four awards) and Navy Achievement Medal (three awards).

Contact CDR Schwarz at 1-888-248-7026 or nrotcu@gwm.sc.edu.