A 63-year-old heart surgeon from New Jersey has joined the Navy under a provision allowing individuals with in-demand skills an exemption from age restrictions.
Tyrone Krause, of Skillman, received a waiver allowing him to enter the Reserves a year past the typical age limit.
According to the Virginian-Pilot, Krause was commissioned as a commander Friday in Norfolk, Virginia, aboard the USS Ramage.
Krause's daughter, Laura, 27, is an ensign on the destroyer and performed the ceremony.
Krause said he was inspired to join after his daughter's recruiter mentioned the Navy had a shortage of surgeons.
His service will begin with once-a-month duty at a Navy clinic in Sandy Hook.
AP wire services helped contribute to this report.