DR Zerr, a native of Denver, CO, graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1997. In 2004, he earned a Master of Business Administration at the Wharton School of Business.
Commander Zerr’s at-sea assignments include Gunnery and Anti-submarine Warfare Officer in USS Princeton (CG 59), Reactor Mechanical Division Officer in USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), Operations Officer in USS Decatur (DDG 73), and Reactor Electrical Assistant in USS Nimitz (CVN 68). All ships were home ported in San Diego, California.
Ashore, he has served as the Executive Assistant to the Deputy Director of Naval Reactors, and Director of Defense Policy and Strategy on the National Security Council Staff in the Executive Office of the President.
While on board Nimitz, he received the Stennis Center for Public Service, “CINCPAC” Leadership Award. A distinguished graduate of the Surface Warfare Officer School’s prospective Department Head and Commanding Officer courses, he was the recipient of the Arleigh Burke Leadership, Top Gunner, and Vice Admiral Bulkeley Distinguished Graduate Awards.
CDR Zerr’s personal awards include the Presidential Service Badge, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medal (two awards), Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal (three awards), as well as various campaign and unit awards.