CDR Randy J. Van Rossum
Executive Officer (July 2012 - August 2013) |
Commander Randy Van Rossum is a native of Princeton, Wisconsin. Upon graduation from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1995, he was commissioned an Ensign through the Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate Program.
As part of the XO-CO fleet-up program, Commander Van Rossum reported to the USS WAYNE E MEYER in July 2012. Most recently, he served as the Technical Assistant to the Deputy Director for Surface Ship Matters at Naval Reactors, Washington Naval Shipyard. Prior to that position, he was stationed overseas at the United States European Command in Stuttgart, Germany where he worked in the Missile Defense division with the J5/J8 Strategy, Policy and Assessments Directorate. While in Stuttgart, he completed Joint Professional Military Education Phase I training through the Air Command and Staff College. A previous shore assignment had Commander Van Rossum serving as the Officer Engineering Programs Recruiter for Naval Recruiting District Chicago, during which time he earned a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Loyola University.
At sea, Commander Van Rossum has most recently served as the Main Propulsion Assistant aboard USS NIMITZ (CVN 68). Prior to NIMITZ, he held the role of Combat Systems Officer on USS THACH (FFG 43). Commander Van Rossum completed his division officer tour aboard USS JOHN C. STENNIS (CVN 74) where he was first assigned the position of Reactor Laboratories Division Officer and later became the Chemistry and Radiological Assistant.
Commander Van Rossum’s personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (three awards) and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.