5 minute read
A Real Top Gun Instructor
Re-U Spotlight: A REAL TOP GUN INSTRUCTOR
Q&A WITH REAR ADMIRAL MICHAEL S. WOSJE O’G CLASS OF ‘89
In 1989, Michael Wosje earned his degree from O’Gorman High School. Michael continued his education at Notre Dame, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Computer Applications in 1993, commissioned through the NROTC program. He then began flight training and was appointed a navy aviator in 1995, the same year he earned his Master of Science in Management from Troy University. Recently appointed as the Chief of Staff for the NATO command known as Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO, Michael was gracious enough to take some time out of his busy schedule to answer a few questions for us.
Tell us a little bit about you.
In addition to the details listed above, Robin and I have been married 23 years and have two awesome kids, Emma and Nick, and a great dog, Duke! We currently live in Lisbon, Portugal, where I am the Chief of Staff for NATO command called Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO, or STRIKFORNATO for short. We integrate primarily US Navy capabilities (like Aircraft Carriers) into the NATO alliance when required for training or real-world events. I have been in the Navy for over 29 years. After qualification as a Naval Aviator in 1995, I was qualified on the F/A-18 Hornet and have been lucky to amass thousands of hours in fighters to include all Hornet models A-F, the electronic attack variant EA-18G, and US Air Force aircraft F-16 and F-22. I was very blessed to be promoted to the rank of Rear Admiral earlier this year. Outside of work, Robin, the kids and I like to travel, downhill ski and discover amazing restaurants. While in Portugal, I might try to pick up a little bit of surfing to keep up with my son Nick!
How did your experience at O’Gorman prepare you for your future?
The education at O’G was foundational to everything that followed. O’G prepared me for my four years at Notre Dame, which in turn, prepared me well to be an officer in the United States Navy.
What sparked your interest in the military?
I have to be honest and say the first TOP GUN movie. The ROTC program was a tremendous opportunity to attend the University of Notre Dame on a scholarship. While at Notre Dame, TOP GUN was always in the back of my mind, so choosing to go into Naval Aviation was an opportunity to pursue that dream of being of a pilot.
Pre-flight inspection on an F-22 Raptor (2007)
Photo credit: U.S. Air Force
Did you have a favorite teacher and/or subject at O’Gorman?
All the teachers were fantastic but I would probably give an extra shout out to my English teachers, Mr. Basche for the coaching on the yearbook production and Mr. Baumiester for the coaching in debate.
Do you have a favorite O’Gorman memory that you could share?
Summer trip to Australia right before senior year!
What are some of your favorite destinations you have seen?
We have been blessed to serve all over the world in both Asia and Europe. We are currently living in Lisbon, Portugal, which is definitely in the top destinations of the world. From previous assignments, I would say the best places visited are New Zealand; Phuket, Thailand; Tokyo, Japan; Hong Kong; Singapore and Brisbane, Australia.
Captain Wosje is awarded the legion of merit for his Pentagon service.
What is the best part about your job?
Without question the people. I have the privilege of serving with some of the most dedicated and fantastic people in the world. They are inspiring to watch as they accomplish our mission. As an added benefit, I get to learn a ton from a very diverse team. For example, I currently serve alongside NATO members from 13 other countries and getting to share in their culture, food and traditions is incredible!
Tell us about one of your favorite achievements.
In my personal life, husband and father take the cake! In my professional life, I am most proud of being selected to be a TOP GUN instructor and completing the extremely challenging training course in the year 2000. I remember most of the flights like they were yesterday even though they were flown almost 22 years ago!
Promoted to Rear Admiral with his “pinned on” by his children, Emma and Nick
What advice would you give to current O’Gorman students?
I know it sounds cliche, but put in the hard work and dedication to chase your dreams. Your hard work at O’G will set you on that course. O’G also taught us to be of service. I would ask you to think about service to your church, your country and your community. Like hard work, make service a habit that is woven into who you are as a person and what you do every day. You all got to see TOP GUN: Maverick in high school just like I got to see the original in high school. Who knows? Maybe there is a future Navy pilot reading this. #goforit
