Michael Wettlaufer

Michael Andrew Wettlaufer (born 1960) is an American retired Naval officer. He commanded Carrier Strike Group 3, then Military Sealift Command, and retired as a rear admiral.

Early life and education Wettlaufer was born in Alexandria, Virginia, He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology from Colorado State University.

He received his commission through the Aviation Officer Candidate School in 1986 and studied to become a naval aviator at Naval Air Station Meridian, graduating in 1988. He further received a Master of Science in Aviation Systems from the University of Tennessee and a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College and graduated as a Navy test pilot. , and Strike Fighter Squadron 106. A thunderstorm was occurring at the time. The station did not return to the air until June 1996.

Further career Wettlaufer later became an aircraft carrier scheduler for the Commander of the 2nd Fleet, and also served as a project officer, a test pilot and a landing signal officer with the Strike Aircraft Test Directorate at Naval Air Station Patuxent River in Maryland. before returning to the USS John C. Stennis on July 26, 2013, to become its commander. leaving the position on June 11, 2019. He was succeeded by Philip E. Sobeck on September 8, 2023.

Personal life Wettlaufer married his wife, Tina ( Matin), in April 1988.

Awards and decorations

Naval Aviator BadgeDefense Superior Service MedalLegion of Merit with two gold award starsDistinguished Flying Cross with "V" deviceDefense Meritorious Service MedalMeritorious Service Medal with award starAir Medal with two awards stars, on "V device", and 3 Strike/Flight numeralsNavy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with four award stars and 'V' deviceNavy and Marine Corps Achievement MedalNavy Unit CommendationNational Defense Service Medal with bronze service starArmed Forces Expeditionary Medal Southwest Asia Service Medal with three campaign starsGlobal War on Terrorism Service Medal with Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal with silver service starNavy and Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon with two service starsGlobal War on Terrorism Expeditionary MedalGlobal War on Terrorism Service MedalNavy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with four bronze service starsKuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia)Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait)Navy Expert Pistol Shot MedalCommand at Sea insigniaOffice of the Secretary of Defense Identification Badge