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Michael Wosje has come far since graduating from O’Gorman High School in 1989. From O’Gorman, Wosje went to the University of Notre Dame, graduating in 1993 with a Bachelor of Arts in economics and computer applications. He also earned a commission through Notre Dame’s Naval ROTC program.
Today, the Sioux Falls native is an admiral in the U.S. Navy. This month, the Navy named Rear Adm. Wosje as commander of Carrier Strike Group One, based in San Diego. He had been serving as chief of staff to Strike Force NATO in Lisbon, Portugal.
From initial commission to his most recent assignment, Wosje has led a distinguished career in the Navy. In 1995 he earned his wings as a pilot, and he served in various capacities in Naval carrier-based fighter squadrons, including as squadron commander of VFA-15 Valions aboard the U.S.S. Theodore Roosevelt during Operation Enduring Freedom.
Besides flying the F-18 Hornet, Wosje has also flown other attack aircraft, including the F-22 Raptor.
The list of his other military assignments might not stand out to someone who isn’t acquainted with the military. But one assignment is likely noticeable to most people: Wosje’s career also included a stint as an instructor and training officer at TOP GUN, where the Navy trains its most elite fighter pilots.
In a 2022 interview with O’Gorman’s “Re-U-Knight-Er” magazine – which was published shortly after his promotion to rear admiral – Wosje credited the first “Top Gun” movie with inspiring him to join the Navy. The interview took place after “Top Gun: Maverick” came out.
“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,” he told the magazine. “I remember most of the flights like they were yesterday even though they were flown almost 22 years ago!”
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