Sean David Kearns
Commander, United States Navy
CDR Kearns was raised in Hampden, ME and graduated from Hampden Academy in 1987.  Soon afterwards he enlisted in the Navy’s nuclear propulsion program as an Electronics Technician, serving for almost 3 years before being awarded an NROTC scholarship to Boston University.  He graduated in 1994 with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (Summa Cum Laude) and was commissioned an Ensign on board USS CONSTITUTION.  His first officer assignment was aboard USS THOMAS S. GATES (CG 51) as Communications Officer and later Assistant Operations Officer.  Following Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program training in Orlando, FL and Goose Creek, SC; CDR Kearns reported to USS SOUTH CAROLINA (CGN 37) as Reactor Training Assistant and completed the ship’s final deployment, deactivation and decommissioning.

CDR Kearns next attended Massachusetts Institute of Technology, earning Master of Science degrees in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering.  Following his graduation from MIT in 2001 and Department Head School in Newport, RI in May 2002, he reported to USS CARTER HALL (LSD 50) as First Lieutenant, deploying in support of Operations IRAQI FREEDOM, ENDURING FREEDOM, and SHELTERING SKY.  In January 2004, he reported to USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73) as Reactor Electrical Assistant, deploying in support of Operations IRAQI FREEDOM and ENDURING FREEDOM and completing an 11-month docking availability.

In December 2005, CDR Kearns reported to Naval Reactors Head Quarters (NRHQ) in Washington, DC as part of the Line Locker.  CDR Kearns next reported to USS SAN ANTONIO (LPD 17) in early 2008 as the ship’s executive officer, completing the ship’s maiden deployment.  In the summer of 2010, CDR Kearns reported to the staff of Commander, U.S. SECOND Fleet in the Policy, Requirements, and Experimentation branch.  In August of 2011, CDR Kearns began the Senior Officer Course at the Naval War College in Newport, RI and graduated in June 2012 with a Master of Science degree in National Security and Strategic Studies.  Since then, CDR Kearns has worked at the Surface Warfare Officers School Command as the Director of Fleet Enlisted Engineering Training for the Navy.  CDR Kearns assumed command of the USS CONSTITUTION on July 26th, 2013.

CDR Kearns’ personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (3 awards), the Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medal (2 awards), the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2 awards) and numerous campaign and unit awards.