April 21, 2016

Gerosa ’94 takes command of ‘USS Constitution’

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Cmdr. Robert S. Gerosa, Jr. ’94 calls his appointment “the highlight of my career.” (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Virginia Kinney)

BY JOHN LARSON

With an unblemished 33-0 battle record, the USS Constitution remains Boston’s only undefeated team. It’s a feat her 74th commander, Robert S. Gerosa, Jr. ’94, is proud to symbolically preserve.

Clad in his traditional 1813 uniform, Gerosa recently became commanding officer of the 217-year-old warship. It’s the highest rank of his storied, 19-year career with the U.S. Navy.

“I’m humbled to join all who served before me,” said Gerosa, a native of New Rochelle, N.Y. “This vessel was named by George Washington and has a fascinating history. Being selected to command it is the ultimate praise. This is the Navy’s way of saying, ‘We trust you with America’s greatest assets.’ It is the highlight of my career so far.”

Launched in 1797, the USS Constitution is the oldest warship afloat in the U.S. Navy, most famous for her actions in the War of 1812 when she defeated four British warships and captured numerous merchant ships. The hull design of live oak sandwiched between two layers of white oak allowed her to withstand and defeat the British warship HMS Guerriere, earning the Constitution the nickname of “Old Ironsides.”

Today, the USS Constitution, which is based at the Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston, serves to promote understanding of the Navy’s role in war and peace through educational outreach, historical demonstrations, and active participation in public events.

“We’re here to bridge the gap between history and the public. Our message is, ‘Ready then, ready now, and ready always,’” Gerosa said, describing Old Ironsides as “a national icon and a treasure.”

The ship’s modern-day crew of close to 90 active-duty Navy officers and sailors handles all the work of sailing a 19th-century warship.

“Simply put, they are some of the finest officers and sailors in our Navy today,” said Gerosa. “We are a family. We’re together every day, and I work hard to get to know all of them.”

Inspiration for a lifetime

​At PC, Gerosa majored in history and was a member of the College’s Knights of Columbus chapter. He credits his professors for instilling in him a sense of service and a commitment to the greater good that have guided his decisions in his naval career and throughout his life.

“The Dominicans knew me not only as a student but as a person,” said Gerosa. “They were genuinely interested in what was going on in my life. I was more than a face in a lecture hall. They held me accountable for my actions.”

The sense of compassion he experienced continues in his work with the Constitution team.

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Gerosa leads a crew of nearly 90 Navy officers and sailors. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Matthew Fairchild)

“I take the same approach with my crew. It’s important that I know if one of them is having any issues. After all, it’s hard for them to focus on their mission if they are having problems elsewhere. We all have to be on the same page,” said the North Kingstown, R.I., resident.

After graduating from PC, Gerosa attended the Naval Officer Candidate School in Pensacola, Fla., and, upon completion, was commissioned as an ensign in September 1997.

He was first assigned to the USS Nassau from 1998-2000 as the Main Propulsion Division officer and electrical officer. During Gerosa’s tenure, the amphibious assault ship deployed to the Mediterranean Sea and supported NATO operations during the Kosovo Campaign.

In 2000, Gerosa transferred to the guided missile destroyer USS Ramage as the Combat Information Center officer and assistant operations officer. Following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, the Ramage was the first ship in the Atlantic Fleet to maneuver off the East Coast of the United States to provide extended radar coverage for Washington, D.C., and New York City. The destroyer went on to deploy overseas in support of operations Noble Eagle and Enduring Freedom.

In 2003, he was selected as a lieutenant to attend the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, R.I. He graduated in 2004 with a master’s degree in national security and strategic studies. In 2005, he reported to the USS Whidbey Island as the first lieutenant. In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, the Whidbey Island became part of Task Force Katrina and conducted humanitarian and disaster relief assistance in the Gulf states. In 2006, he transferred to the Amphibious Squadron Two/Bataan Expeditionary Strike Group as the staff operations officer/N3.

Gerosa’s shore assignments include: director of operations and support for the Naval War College International Programs, aide-de-camp for the director of expeditionary warfare OPNAV staff, in-service amphibious ships resource officer, and expeditionary warfare lead instructor of the Surface Warfare Officers School.

During his career, he has been awarded two Meritorious Service medals, four Navy and Marine Corps commendation medals, four Navy and Marine Corps achievement medals, and other service and campaign awards.

Thanks to his keen interest in history and the experience gained throughout his naval career, the married, father of two was chosen to maintain the dignity of our nation’s oldest warship for future generations of sailors and visitors alike. He credits Providence College for helping make that happen.

“PC helped me become the man I am today,” said Gerosa. “For that, I’ll always be grateful.”