Commanding Officer
Capt. David Skarosi
Capt. David Skarosi is a native of Wheeling, Illinois. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Kansas and commissioned through Navy ROTC in May of 1998. He earned a Master of Science in Leadership, with a focus in Business Ethics, from Duquesne University.
In 1999, he qualified as a Naval Flight Officer (NFO) and later became a Navy pilot in October 2005 as part of the NFO to Pilot transition program. He is a graduate of the Navy Nuclear Propulsion Program.
His operational assignments include Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 137 aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) in support of Operation Enduring Freedom; training officer and head Landing Signal Officer with VAQ-139 aboard USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) in support of Operation Enduring Freedom; department head with VAQ-132 in support of Operations Odyssey New Dawn and Unified Protector; executive officer and commanding officer of VAQ-139 aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) and USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71); executive officer of PCU John F. Kennedy (CVN 79); and commanding officer of USS Lewis B. Puller (ESB 3) Gold Crew, deploying in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility conducting deterrence and interdiction operations against stateless vessels.
Shore assignments include the Science and Technology Directorate at North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command; Aide-de-Camp to the Deputy Commander, U.S. Northern Command; and the Joint Staff (J7), where he served on a team that planned and executed globally integrated exercises.
Skarosi assumed command of USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) on May 12, 2025.
His personal decorations include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, and various individual and unit campaign awards.