Knouse, Craig R., 1974, CAPT USN (ret)

CRAIG R. KNOUSE, 1952-2023

CAPT Craig Richard Knouse, U.S. Navy (Ret.) passed away at his home in Alexandria, VA on October 22, 2023, after a short illness. He is survived by Janice Lyle Johnson Knouse, his wife of almost 50 years, son Craig Richard Knouse, Jr. of Alexandria, VA, daughter Abigail Lindley Knouse Coutts (Michael) of Newark, DE, grandchildren Vincent Andrew Knouse, Sophia Noelle Knouse, Michael Allister Coutts, Thomas William Coutts, and Charlotte Fiona Coutts, brothers Barry Lee Knouse and Gerald Royce Knouse, and sisters Beverly Ann Kern and Linda Jean Maffett.

Born in Abington, Pennsylvania, April 21, 1952, CAPT Knouse received his commission from the NROTC program at Pennsylvania State University in 1974. He served his initial sea tour in USS OUELLET (FF 1077), then completed Department Head School and served as Weapons Officer in USS PATTERSON (FF 1061) and USS LUCE (DDG 38).

Following his department head tours, CAPT Knouse served as Engineering Liaison Officer to the Saudi Naval Expansion Program, headquartered in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. He also served as Staff Liaison Officer, U.S. Central Command, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

CAPT Knouse attended the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, graduating with distinction with a Master of Arts degree in National Security Affairs in December 1986. Upon completion of Postgraduate School, he reported to USS CLARK (FFG 11), where he served as Executive Officer until October 1988. His next assignment was in Yokosuka, Japan, as Assistant Surface Operations Officer, Battle Force SEVENTH Fleet (Commander Carrier Group FIVE).

Following his tour with CARGRUFIVE, CAPT Knouse was assigned to the Strategic Plans and Policy Directorate of the Joint Staff, where he served as Executive Assistant to the Deputy Director for Political-Military Affairs.

In 1993, CAPT Knouse assumed command of USS MCCANDLESS (FFT 1084), completed the ship’s hot-plant turnover to the Turkish Navy, and then reported to USS AUBREY FITCH (FFG-34), serving as her commanding officer until January 1996.

After serving first as Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations, then as Assistant Chief of Staff for Readiness, Commander, Western Hemisphere Group, CAPT Knouse reported to USS HUE CITY (CG-66) and served as her commanding officer until January 2001.

Following his retirement from the Navy in 2003, CAPT Knouse worked in the private sector for 10 years, before retiring again to enjoy playing many rounds of golf and watching Phillies baseball.