Crystal Schaefer is a native of Medford, Wisconsin. She earned her commission through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Program. Schaefer holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics and a Master’s degree in Business and Administration from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. At sea, Schaefer served as Strike Officer on USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79), Reactor Propulsion Division officer on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), Operations Officer on USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), and Assistant Reactor Officer on USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77). Ashore, Schaefer served as Assistant Professor of Naval Science at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, Naval Reserve Officer Training Corp; Tomahawk Land Attack Missile (TLAM) Officer in Charge for U.S. Sixth Fleet in Naples, Italy; and Prospective Commanding Officer Course Coordinator at the Surface Warfare Schools Command in Newport, RI. Schaefer’s personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corp Commendation Medal (three awards), Navy and Marine Corp Achievement Medal (four awards), and various unit, campaign, and service awards.