Carter Dean was born on January 18, 1968, in Tennessee. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on April 16, 1990, and completed basic training at NTC Orlando, Florida, in June 1990. Dean next attended Gunner's Mate training at NTC Great Lakes, Illinois, from July 1990 to February 1991, followed by Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training and SEAL Qualification training at NAB Coronado, California, from March 1991 to April 1992. Petty Officer Dean attended Basic Airborne training at Fort Benning, Georgia, in April and May 1992, and then attended SEAL Delivery Vehicle training from May to July 1992. His first assignment was as a SEAL Delivery Vehicle Operator/Navigator with SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team TWO (SDVT-2) at NAB Little Creek, Virginia, from August 1992 until he was killed in a training accident in Little Creek Harbor on February 3, 1994. Carter Dean was buried at the Highland Memorial Cemetery in Knoxville, Tennessee.

The Sailor's Creed:

I am a United States Sailor.

I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States of America and I will obey the orders of those appointed over me.

I represent the fighting spirit of the Navy and those who have gone before me to defend freedom and democracy around the world.

I proudly serve my country's Navy combat team with Honor, Courage and Commitment.

I am committed to excellence and the fair treatment of all.