GROTON, Conn. - Chief Petty Officer Gino Rossi, a native of St. Charles, Illinois, serves as a culinary specialist with pre-commissioning unit (PCU) Hyman G. Rickover, operating out of Groton, Connecticut.
Rossi, a 1999 St. Charles High School graduate and 2022 Thomas Edison State University graduate, joined the Navy 18 years ago.
“I was in the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union 701 when 9/11 happened,” said Rossi. “I wanted to serve my country so I finished my apprenticeship and joined the Navy. My grandfather was also a Seabee in the Navy which influenced my decision to join as well.”
Skills and values similar to those found in St. Charles are similar to those required to succeed in the military.
“Working in the Electrical Union showed me that hard work pays off,” said Rossi. “My father, uncles and grandfather were all in the Union. Also, the ‘Principles of Engineering’ and ‘Physics’ classes in high school got me interested in science and physics as a whole.”
PCU (Pre-Commissioning Unit) is a designation used by the U.S. Navy to describe crews aboard vessels under construction prior to official commissioning.
“The sailors on our pre-commissioning unit are working incredibly hard to get the future USS Hyman G. Rickover ready to join the fleet,” said Cmdr. Matthew Beach, Commanding Officer of PCU USS Human G. Rickover. “Each individual on this crew represents a different town or city in America, bringing unique life experiences and local values that contribute something special to our success. When this submarine is commissioned later this year, it will be the most advanced undersea warship in the world, delivering state-of-the-art stealth and firepower wherever America needs it. The USS Hyman G. Rickover will play a crucial role in our nation’s defense and that’s a testament to the professionalism and focus of these elite sailors. I’m sure their families and friends back home are as proud of them as I am.”
With 90 percent of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to trained sailors and a strong Navy.
"Our mission remains timeless - to provide our fellow citizens with nothing less than the very best Navy: fully combat ready at all times, focused on warfighting excellence, and committed to superior leadership at every single level," said Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations. "This is our calling. And I cannot imagine a calling more worthy."
As a member of the Navy, Rossi is part of a world-class organization focused on maintaining maritime dominance, strengthening partnerships, increasing competitive warfighting capabilities and sustaining combat-ready forces in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“The Navy provides national security by being on watch 24/7 on 365 days a year,” said Rossi. “There is always a ship at sea that is protecting our shores and submarines do that with stealth.”
Rossi has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of the sailors I have been in charge of achieving their goals,” said Rossi. “I have had many sailors achieve the rank of chief petty officer and two obtain a commission to become naval officers.”
As Rossi and other sailors continue to perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving in the Navy allows me to support the nation and visit foreign ports while being a good representation of the United States,” said Rossi.
“I am very excited that the Navy allowed me to attend college and get a degree,” added Rossi. “I plan to retire from the Navy and use my experience to work in nuclear power for a greener future.”