Senior Chief Petty Officer Blake C. Cramer, USN
Percussionist / Pianist, Naval Academy Band

Senior Chief Musician Blake Cramer is a native of Davidsonville, MD and a 1980 graduate of South River High School in Edgewater, MD. He attended St. Mary's College of Maryland and subsequently the Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA, where he studied with renowned jazz vibraphonist Gary Burton. In 1985 he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in professional music, graduating magna cum laude.

In 1992, MUCS Cramer auditioned and was selected for assignment with the U. S. Naval Academy Band. Upon completion of recruit training at RTC, Great Lakes, he was assigned as percussionist in the concert band, marching band, and ceremonial units. In 2001, after nine years serving as percussionist and mallet instrument specialist, he was appointed pianist for the Superintendent of the Naval Academy, providing exclusive musical support for functions honoring visiting dignitaries and VIPs. He served as Leading Petty Officer for the concert band, and is currently the Naval Academy Band’s Awards Manager, Command Financial Specialist, and unit leader of the Commandant’s Combo.

MUCS Cramer has been awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Navy Good Conduct Medal (4 awards), Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation (2 awards), National Defense Service Medal (2 awards), and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.

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