A native of Vestaburg, Pennsylvania Albert Ross enlisted in the Naval Reserve in 1955, and entered active service in 1957.
After attending Radarman, Sonar and Submarine Schools, he served five years in submarines; both Diesel and nuclear-powered. He converted to Cryptologic Technician (Technical) in 1963. He was promoted to Chief Petty Officer (CTTC) in 1966, Warrant Officer (W-1) in 1967 and to Limited Duty Officer (LDO) Ensign in 1970. The highlight of his career came in 1990 when he was selected as the Navy’s first LDO Captain for Cryptology.
Captain Ross has performed in many and varied functions, and held numerous positions during his career. While in submarines, he stood duties as Lookout, Sonar Operator, Bow and Stern Planesman, Helsman and Missile Tracking Petty Officer. He was a Signals Analyst, Intelligence Analyst, Fleet Support Coordinator and Program Analyst in the Naval Security Group. He has been a Project Manager, Head of Navy Electronic Warfare (EW) Assessment, Fleet Cryptologist, Director, Technical Development, and a Commanding Officer, wrapping up his career as Chief Information Warfare (IW) Support Center at National Security Agency (NSA).
He has held command of an overseas activity, sat on Navy promotion boards, chaired a Blue Ribbon Panel on personnel retention and led a National Intelligence Support Team’s initial deployment to Europe in support of military peacekeeping and humanitarian efforts in the Balkans. He has served on and chaired several government and industry panels and working groups on defense technology. He was the Department of Defense (DoD) spokesperson for electronic warfare, information warfare and Navy Cryptology during numerous conferences and symposium.
In a ceremony held at the NSA, on March 1, 1996 Captain Albert J. Ross, Jr., USN, retired after more than 38 years of active service. At the time of his retirement, he was the National Security Agency’s Chief, Information Warfare (IW) Support Center.
At his retirement, Captain Ross was presented awards by Vice Admiral J.M. McConnell, USN, out-going Director National Security Agency; Rear Admiral Thomas F. Stevens, USN, Commander, Naval Security Group Command; Brigadier General John D. Thomas Jr., USA; Brigadier General James A. Jaeger, USAF, and DCC(SW) James P. Ross, USN, his son. These awards included the Naval Security Group Meritorious Service Award, Letter of Appreciation from the Commander-in-Chief, President Clinton, and the Director, Military Intelligence Certificate of Distinction. The awards presentation was highlighted by Vice Admiral McConnell presenting Captain Ross with the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, an award usually associated with departing Flag Officers.
Captain Ross was a qualified submariner. His decorations included Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Meritorious Service Medal (five awards), Joint Services Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, Navy Good Conduct Medal (three awards) and numerous unit and campaign ribbons.
Source: NCVA CRYPTOLOG
Station HYPO 
21 March 2021 at 11:02
A phenomenal, LDO CRYPTOLOGIC leader in the Navy SecGru field. Cheers and with great respect and leadership, Igor (David E Meadows).
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21 March 2021 at 11:49
He was my DH in G80, after my return from Sinop. He was a superb leader.
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21 March 2021 at 14:50
It would be great if we could have a listing of duty stations, time at each station, and enlisted rating at those stations for persons being honored. For example, I was a CT O brancher when at San Miguel in 1960-61 and Wahiawa in 1961 and 62, and then converted to CT I at NSA in 1963 after completing Hebrew. I then served as a linguist from then on until I left the Navy in 1972 and my duty stations were 1962 and 1963 at NSA, 1963 and 1964 at Nicosia, 1964 and 1965 at NSA, 1965 and 1966 at Monterey for Russian, 1966 and 1967 Karamursel with TAD to Sinop, Black Sea Ops, USS Saratoga, and Athens, then 1967-1970 NMCC Hotline, 1970-72 TA at Nicosia. June 1972 left the Navy to become a minister. Hopefully, someone might be able to connect with my times and places and say, “Yes, I knew Bob Edwards.” However, because CTs moved frequently from station to station it is hard to recall just who we served with and when and where. Anything that could provide a better back ground would be greatly appreciated especially for those who are being honored.
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21 March 2021 at 14:56
As my boss and mentor at ACNSG (GF-3), colleague at OPNAV (944/956), sword bearer at my wedding (1986), collaborator in the foundational days of “overt” information operations, circa mid-90’s (him at NSA and me at the Joint Staff), and friend always, Al has never failed to delight and inspire me, or anyone else around him. The word unique is overused, but let no one doubt it: for what he did, and the times in which he did it, there never has been anyone else like Al Ross, and never will be. To a “unique” professional and leader, hats off, and Thanks for the Memories.
Bill Gravell
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21 March 2021 at 18:12
Remember LT Ross from NSGD/NSGA Naples in the 1975-78 time period. Best memoty is the night my wife and I came home from dining out to find a note taped to the front door from Mrs Ross saying “Congratulations, the E-9 list is out and you’re on it”
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21 March 2021 at 19:21
Congratulations Capt. Ross. Congratulations to you as well Jose’ Cool!//Osband sends.
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21 March 2021 at 21:15
A true leader and a legend across the entire community. Such an amazingly impactful career. Mike Rogers
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