Capt. Randy Van Rossum is a native of Princeton, Wisconsin. He attended the University of Wisconsin–Madison and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial Engineering. He was commissioned in October 1995 via Officer Candidate School through the Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate (NUPOC) program. Capt. Van Rossum earned a Master of Business Administration from Loyola University Chicago.
Capt. Van Rossum’s sea duty assignments include tours aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) as Reactor Laboratories Division Officer and Chemistry and Radiological Assistant, USS Thach (FFG 43) as Combat Systems Officer, USS Nimitz (CVN 68) as Main Propulsion Assistant, USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108) as the executive officer and later commanding officer, and Destroyer Squadron ONE as the deputy commodore and commodore.
Capt. Van Rossum’s shore duty assignments include Officer Engineering Programs recruiter at Naval Recruiting District Chicago, missile defense action officer in J5/J8 Strategy, Policy and Assessments Directorate at United States European Command, Technical Assistant to the Deputy Director for Surface Ship Matters at Naval Reactors, and Surface Nuclear Programs and Placement at Navy Personnel Command.
Capt. Van Rossum reported to Commander, Third Fleet in July 2020 and assumed duties as Chief of Staff.
Capt. Van Rossum’s personal awards include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (four awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (three awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and various campaign and service medals and ribbons.