CDR Keith Nielsen

Past Executive Officer, USS Miguel Keith (ESB 5) Blue Crew

10 October 2021 Commander Nielsen assumed duties as Executive Officer in January 2019. A native of Roseville, California, CDR Nielsen enlisted in the United States Navy in January 1995. Upon completing Basic Training in Great Lakes, Illinois, and the Navy’s Nuclear Power Training program he reported to USS ALBANY (SSN 753) where he served from 1996-2001. Following that tour, CDR Nielsen served as an instructor at Navy Nuclear Field “A” School in Charleston, South Carolina. In January 2004 he earned his commission through Officer Candidate School.

Afloat CDR Nielsen served onboard USS TRENTON (LPD 14), USS CARL VINSON (CVN 70), USS NICHOLAS (FFG 47), and on the staff of Commander, Destroyer Squadron TWO EIGHT.

Ashore, he has served twice on the staff of Commander, Operational Test and Evaluation Force.

CDR Nielsen’s decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (5 awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (5 awards) and various unit citations and campaign medals.