The Legend of Tozzi:
(Suitable for press release)
(Suitable for press release)
Michael Jay Tozzi graduated from the Bronx High School of Science in June of 1999. He then left New York City for Annapolis, where he was inducted into the U.S. Naval Academy. While at the Naval Academy, he majored in Political Science and minored in Spanish. He also studied Mandarin Chinese and Russian. He graduated from the Naval Academy with a Bachelor's of Science degree and a commission as an Ensign in the Navy in May of 2003.
After graduating from the Naval Academy, he was assigned to the Spruance class destroyer USS O'Brien (DD 975), forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan. Aboard USS O'Brien, he served as Force Protection assistant and Division officer for the CM (cruise Missile), CF (Fire Control), and CA (Anti-Submarine Warfare) divisions. USS O'Brien was decommissioned in September, 2004.
Just prior to decommision of USS O'Brien, ENS Tozzi was re-assigned to the Arleigh Burke class guided missile destroyer USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) as the Strike officer. As Strike officer, he was responsible for the ship's Tomahawk (land attack) and Harpoon (anti-ship) missiles and all associated equipment maintenance and operator training. Upon the decommision of USS O'Brien, USS Fitzgerald was deployed to Yokosuka, Japan, to take the place of USS O'Brien.
In December, 2005, Mike Tozzi, then a Lieutenant Junior Grade (LTJG) was reassigned to Norfolk as a member of the staff of Commander, Destroyer Squadron 22 (COMDESRON 22). At COMDESRON 22, LTJG Tozzi served as the assistant N-3 (operations), and the assistant N-4 (logistics and engineering). While assigned to COMDESRON 22 LTJG Tozzi was deployed to Iraq as an individual augmentee. In Iraq he served on the groud as Electronic Warfare Officer for the 1-133 Infantry Regiment (34th Infantry Division) from March to June 2007 and then the 2-504 Parachute Infantry Regiment (82nd Airborne Division) from June to October 2007. In both units he was the only non-Army soldier. While in Iraq he was promoted to the rank of LT. For his contribution to the war effort he was awarded the Army Achevement Medal by the 1-133 INF of the 34th Infantry Regiment and the Bronze Star Medal by the 2-504 PIR of the 82nd Airborne Division. Upon return from Iraq he resumed his former position as assistant N-3 at COMDESRON 22.
In March 2008 LT Tozzi detached from COMDESRON 22 and reported to the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA. He is currently working on a Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering.