Capt. Patrick Croley graduated from Tulane University with a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering and commissioned as a U.S. Navy surface warfare officer, engineering duty option, in 1996. Croley also holds both a Master of Science in Astronautical engineering and an engineer's degree in astronautics.

Croley began his navy career as an enlisted member in 1990 and served his first tour on USS Arkansas (CGN 41) after qualifying as a nuclear power plant Electrician's Mate. He also served aboard USS Chancellorsville (CG 62) and USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19).

Transferring ashore, he served with Navy Personnel Command where he was later assigned to to Strategic Systems Programs (SSP) Headquarters serving several positions including Missile Engineering Section head, Fire Control and Guidance Branch head, Strategic Navigation Branch head, Missile Branch head, and most recently establishing SSP’s Strategic Intelligence, Program Protection and Security Branch.

In 2008, Croley volunteered as an individual augmentee for deployment to Iraq where he led the construction efforts of all minister of interior training projects at the Multi-National Security Transition Command, Iraq. His SSP field assignment was technical director to the Flight Program Management Office in Sunnyvale, California.

Croley currently serves as SSP's 19th technical director. As the overall weapon system manager, he plans, directs and coordinates research, design, development, procurement, test, installation, maintenance, repair, alteration, safety, fleet support and disposal of the TRIDENT II weapon system for both the U.S. and U.K.  Programs. He serves as the deputy direct reporting program manager for the TRIDENT II (D-5) ACAT IC program and is responsible for the assigned weapon system program execution, including budgeting, execution and full life cycle support.

Last Updated: 11 May 2023