CDR Keith A. Gartner was commissioned an ensign in the Navy Civil Engineer Corps in 1991, at Houston, Texas, Naval Reserve Center, as a direct commission reserve officer. First assigned to Engineering Field Division, Pacific, he drilled in Houston and Ft. Worth, Texas. Transferring to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion Twenty Eight, he served as the Detachment OIC of Det 1528, Houston. As a Junior Officer, additional tours with NMCB 28 were as the Assistant Training Officer, Bravo Company Commander, Delta Company Commander, and Alfa Company Commander. In 2007, he deployed to Iraq, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, as the Executive Officer of NMCB 28. After this deployment, the battalion was awarded the Battle E and Best of Type for West Coast Reserve Battalions. Following the Battalion Executive Officer assignment, he served with Commander Navy Forces, Korea, where he participated in both of the major Korean annual exercises, with one tour being aboard the USS Blueridge as liaison officer. His most current assignment has been with Navy Facilities, Headquarters Unit, stationed at the Washington Navy Yard.
In his civilian employment, he is a partner in S T Construction Corporation in Houston, Texas.
Originally from Glen Ullin, North Dakota, where he was raised on a farm and cattle ranch, CDR Gartner received his bachelors degree of Mechanical Engineering from North Dakota State University in 1985. In conjunction with his degree, he received a Computer Science minor. He has also registered and completed Civil Engineering classes at the University of Houston. He is a registered Professional Civil Engineer, Construction Management, in Texas. He is also an active member of the Foundation Performance Association of Houston.