CDR Jeffrey J. Kelso

Past Executive Officer, USS Somerset (LPD 25)

03 November 2021 Commander Jeffrey J. Kelso, USN is a native of Flint, Michigan and is a 2004 graduate of Kettering University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. He entered the Navy through the Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate Program and received his commission as an Ensign after graduating from Officer Candidate School in June, 2005. Commander Kelso continued his education at Naval Nuclear Power School, Goose Creek, South Carolina and follow on training at Naval Nuclear Prototype Training Unit, Ballston Spa, New York, qualifying Engineering Officer of the Watch. 
    
Commander Kelso's fleet assignments include Engineering Division Officer tours in USS BATAAN (LHD 5), earning his Surface Warfare Officer designation and additionally in numerous forward deployed CYCLONE CLASS (PC-1) Patrol Costal ships during Operation Iraqi Freedom as Weapons Officer and Executive Officer. His Department Head Tours include serving as Operations Officer in USS OAK HILL (LSD 51) and in PCU GABRIELLE GIFFORDS (LCS 10) Blue Crew in which he is a Plankowner. After his afloat Department Head tours he served as Assistant Chief of Staff for Material and Logistics at Carrier Strike Group ONE embarked in USS CARL VINSON where he completed one Western Pacific deployment and Rim of the Pacific Exercise. 
    
Ashore, Commander Kelso served as a Program Manager for the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), SPAWAR Space Field Activity in Chantilly, Virginia.  Additionally, he served as the Training and Readiness Officer Deputy for Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center Headquarters in San Diego, California.