Originally from East Hartford, Connecticut, LCDR Kleva enlisted in the United States Navy in 1983 as a Gunner’s Mate Missiles.  His first sea tour was on USS STERETT (CG-31) homeported in Subic Bay, Philippines as a MK 10 TERRIER guided missile launching system maintenance technician and missile handling team member.  He then served on USS FOX (CG-33) leading the ship through successful inspection cycles as the special weapon handling supervisor.  His initial shore duty was at Naval Magazine Subic Bay, Philippines as Storage Division leading petty officer and Ammunition, Distribution, and Inventory Control Division supervisor providing operational logistics support during host nation coup attempts, Desert Shield and Desert Storm.  He transferred to USS WORDEN (CG-18) where he was promoted to chief petty officer in 1991 and served as Missile Division leading chief petty officer and missile officer during 5TH Fleet operations.  He then served as field operations officer and explosive safety officer at Fleet Activities Sasebo, Japan until his commissioning as a limited duty officer in 1996.

After commissioning, LCDR Kleva served as ship’s gunner on USS NIMITZ (CVN-68).  He then served as ammunition operations officer and ordnance officer at Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan.  He remained in Japan serving on USS CHANCELLORSVILLE (CG-62) as system test officer and combat systems officer.  His next tour was on the staff of COMLOG WESTPAC/CTF-73 as aviation ordnance officer and Seventh Fleet ordnance manager.  He reported to Mobile Mine Assembly Unit Eight as executive officer in November 2006 leading the unit through numerous successful inspections and assumed command in October 2007.

Personal Awards consist of Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (5 Awards) and Navy Achievement Medal (5 Awards).