The Theodore Roosevelt Association (TRA) presented the 2013 Junior Officer of the Year award to a Sailor assigned to USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), Sept. 21.
Lt. Carl Comasco, Jr., 27, assigned to the Reactor Department aboard the aircraft carrier, received the award in recognition of his outstanding achievements overseeing operations, training and maintenance for 120 Sailors in Reactor Electrical and Reactor Controls divisions. Additionally, he worked extensively with Newport News Shipbuilding personnel – while the ship was in the shipyard – to ensure that production deadlines under his cognizance were met.
“It was a great surprise when I heard the captain announce my name,” said Comasco. “I was at a training lecture with about 75 other Sailors from my department, and they all broke into a round of applause. What a humbling experience.”
The TRA is bestowing Comasco with the award as part of its 94th Annual Meeting in Buffalo,N.Y., the site in 1901 where Theodore Roosevelt was sworn into office. Rear Adm. P.W. “Wick” Parcells, the first commander of the aircraft carrier, a long time officer and trustee of the TRA, presented the award.
“TRA members really look forward to our presentation of the Junior Officer of the Year Award,” said TRA president, Tweed Roosevelt, a great-grandson of Theodore Roosevelt. “It is always heartwarming to have the chance to participate in honoring a very promising young naval officer who represents the very best of America’s youth.”
Comasco, a May 2008 graduate of Fordham University, received his commission through the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC), SUNY Maritime College Unit. Previously, he served on board USS The Sullivans. A native of Harrisburg, PA, Comasco is the eldest of three sons of Carl Sr. and Cheryl Comasco and is married to Victoria Comasco.
“I’m extraordinarily thankful for this recognition,” Comasco said, regarding the TRA honor. “President Roosevelt was known for his charismatic leadership and incredible work ethic. I try to embody those qualities as a part of my approach to life, and I think people appreciate it.”
Since 1992, the TRA has presented the award annually to a junior officer aboard Theodore Roosevelt who most closely exemplifies the exceptional leadership, pride, professionalism, and dedication to duty inherent in President Theodore Roosevelt.
Commissioned into service in 1986, aircraft carrier Theodore Roosevelt returned to the operational fleet in August after completing a four-year Refueling Complex Overhaul (RCOH) at Huntington Ingalls Industries – Newport News Shipbuilding (HII-NNS). The TRA has been a support organization for USS Theodore Roosevelt since her commissioning. In addition to annually bestowing the Junior Officer of the Year Award, the TRA also has helped outfit the ship’s on-board museum, chapel, library and crew lounge, and maintains active ties with her crew and leadership.
The TRA is a congressionally chartered non-profit historical and public service organization dedicated to perpetuating the memory and ideals of Theodore Roosevelt.
[mappress] Press Release, September 23, 2013