Arlington, Virginia,
October
18, 2006
Vice Admiral (Ret.) Terry Cross has joined EADS North America in the newly-created position as Director of Homeland Security Programs.
Cross recently completed a 36-year U.S. Coast Guard career retiring as the Vice Commandant, the Coast Guard’s second in command. He will support EADS North America’s development of its security and homeland defense business. Cross is based at the company’s Arlington, Virginia headquarters.
“Terry Cross has a first-hand understanding of America’s homeland security needs and requirements, and we look forward to the insights and guidance that will come to EADS North America by leveraging his distinguished service in the Coast Guard,” said Ralph D. Crosby, Jr., Chairman and CEO of EADS North America.
Cross was the Coast Guard’s Vice Commandant from 2004 to 2006, with oversight responsibility for the development and implementation of strategic plans and budget priorities. He also served as the Agency Acquisition Executive and had requirements decision authority for major Coast Guard acquisitions requirements, including aircraft, boats, ships, technology systems and facilities.
As the Pacific Area Commander from 2002 to 2004, Cross planned and directed Coast Guard operations in the Western U.S. and throughout the Pacific, including the Arctic, Antarctic and Asia. His primary missions included homeland security, search and rescue, law enforcement and national defense. He also stood up the Coast Guard’s Pacific Area Maritime Intelligence Fusion Center.
In a two-year posting as the Assistant Commandant for Operations, Cross was involved in strategic planning for all Coast Guard missions, and led a team that also drafted/implemented the nation’s first Maritime Homeland Security Plan. He led teams that designed, funded and commissioned new capabilities such as special anti-terrorism Maritime Safety and Security Teams, and led the effort that gained the Coast Guard’s membership in the National Intelligence Community.
Cross’ other Coast Guard assignments included Director of Operations Policy; Commander of the service’s 17th District in Juneau, Alaska; Atlantic Area Chief of Staff, based in Portsmouth, Virginia; and Director Plans, Analysis in Washington, D.C.
A qualified naval aviator, Cross is a graduate of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy with a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering. He also has a Master of Science degree in Industrial Administration from Purdue University’s Krannert School of Management, and completed a one year course in National Security Studies at the National War College.
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About EADS North America
EADS North America is the North American operations of EADS, the second largest aerospace and defense company in the world. As a leader in all sectors of defense and homeland security, EADS North America and its parent company, EADS, contribute over $8.5 billion to the U.S. economy annually and support more than 174,000 American jobs through its network of suppliers and services. With 11 operating companies located in 32 cities and 17 states, EADS North America offers a broad array of advanced solutions to its customers in the commercial, homeland security, aerospace and defense markets.
