USS Constitution held a change of command ceremony at Pier One of the Charlestown Navy Yard Friday, November 3.

Cmdr. Nathaniel R. Shick relieved Cmdr. Robert S. Gerosa, Jr. as Commanding Officer of USS Constitution.

Capt. Paul M. Esposito, (Retired), gave the ceremony's keynote address.

Esposito presented Gerosa with the Meritorious Service Medal as an end-of-tour award. Gerosa attributed the award to the hard work and support of the USS Constitution Sailors and leaders.

"Being the 74th Commanding Officer of USS Constitution has been the greatest privilege and highest honor in my entire military career," said Gerosa. "No rank or medal could top this ship, its crew, and all of you will stay with me and my family till the end of my days."

The ceremony marked the end of Gerosa's first tour as a commanding officer. Gerosa recalled the challenges faced, lessons learned, and achievements made by the men and women who make up the USS Constitution crew, before reading the orders relieving him of command.

"There was no challenge never met, no job undone, or anything you didn't accomplish," said Gerosa. "You are shipmates."

Upon assuming command, Shick recognized Gerosa's hard work and leadership through his appreciation of the overhaul that USS Constitution underwent while in dry dock for just over two years.

"Commander Gerosa and our team of partners did a superb job executing the arduous task of refurbishment and revitalization," said Shick. "Constitution stands ready for sea duty once again due to the exceptional craftsmanship of devoted professionals and the determined labors of her crew."

"I could not ask for a finer ship or crew; I know we will continue to do great things together," said Shick. "I am humbled in her presence and am awed to stand amongst such august company. With determination and much enthusiasm, I accept the charge of command as her 75th commanding officer."

Prior to arriving at USS Constitution, Shick served as the operations officer for Afloat Training Group Atlantic. His sea tours include USS Arthur W. Radford (DD 968) serving as Communications Officer from 2001-2003, sailing in company with Standing Forces NATO - Mediterranean; USS Cleveland (LPD 7) as Combat Information Center Officer from 2003-2005, sailing with the Magnificent Seven (ATF-West) in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom; USS Howard (DDG 83) as Weapons and Combat Systems Officer from 2008-2011, sailing in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Struggle Against Violent Extremists (SAVE) in the Red and Arabian Seas; and USS Normandy (CG 60) as Executive Officer from 2015-2016, sailing in support of Operation Inherent Resolve in the Arabian Gulf.

USS Constitution, America's Ship of State, actively defended sea-lanes against global threats from 1797-1855. Now a featured destination on Boston's Freedom Trail, Constitution and her crew of active duty U.S. Navy Sailors offer community outreach and education about the ship's history and the importance of naval sea power to more than 500,000 visitors each year.

Constitution's mission today is to offer community outreach and education about the ship's history.

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