Guest of Honor

Vice Admiral Michael S. Wosje

Deputy Chief of Naval Operations, Warfighting Requirements and Capabilities (N6N9)

Vice Admiral Wosje is a native of Sioux Falls, South Dakota and graduate of the University of Notre, where he was commissioned via the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps program.

Operationally, VADM Wosje served with Strike Fighter Squadrons VFA 146, VFA 113, and VFA 15, completing deployments aboard USS Nimitz, USS John C. Stennis, USS Ronald Reagan, USS Theodore Roosevelt, USS George H.W. Bush, and USS Carl Vinson. He commanded VFA 15, Carrier Air Wing 5, and Carrier Strike Group 1, supporting Operation Enduring Freedom, RIMPAC 2024, and combat operations in support of Operation Rough Rider.

Ashore, his assignments include instructor and training officer at Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN), F-22 Operational Test Director with the 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron, Joint Staff operational and electronic warfare positions, multiple senior leadership roles within OPNAV N98/N9, Chief of Staff for Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO, and Director of Air Warfare (OPNAV N98).

His personal awards include two Defense Superior Service Medals, four Legions of Merit with Combat “C,” two Meritorious Service Medals, three Strike/Flight Air Medals, two Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, along with numerous campaign and service awards.