Cmdr. Keith ‘Madison’ Carter, a native of Kansas City, Missouri, graduated from Northwestern University with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism. He earned a Master of Arts in ministries in 2006 and a Master of Arts in theological studies in 2008 from Bethel College. He became a naval chaplain via the Chaplain Candidate Program. He earned a Doctor of Ministry from the United Theological Seminary in 2014. Additionally, he holds a Master of Arts in national security and strategy from the U.S. Naval War College.
 
Operationally, he served aboard the USS Tortuga (LSD 46) as command chaplain; Marine Raider Regiment at Marine Forces Special Operations Command; command chaplain for a Combined Joint Forces Special Operations Task Force deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Inherent Resolve; and squadron chaplain for Destroyer Squadron 28, where he completed an extended deployment in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility responding to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
 
Ashore, he served as battalion and NAAA chaplain at the U.S. Naval Academy; and deputy of operations and deputy of manpower for the chief of chaplains (OPNAV).

Carter reported to the Naval Chaplaincy School as the executive officer in June 2024.
 
His personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (six awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and various personal and unit decorations. He is also a recipient of the Navy Chaplain Corps’ Thomas D. Parham Leadership Award.
 

Last Updated: 6 November 2024