Machinist’s Mate (Nuclear) 2nd Class Michael Lazusky is a steam plant mechanic onboard South Dakota and is responsible for maintenance that allows the boat to go to sea. Lazusky said his proudest accomplishment while serving in the Navy aboard the South Dakota "is making it through the pre-commissioning unit (PCU) process."
The pre-commissioning process is always an arduous challenge that requires a driven dedication from the entire crew.
Coming from a long family history of military service, Lazusky said he always knew that he wanted to be in the military. Both Lazusky's mother and father served as Navy enlisted members, his maternal grandfather served in the Air Force, and his paternal grandfather served in the Marine Corps.
Outside of work Lazusky's interests and goals include becoming a successful investor, a prospect he pursues beyond the busy pre-commissioning process.
The South Dakota is a flexible, multi-mission platform designed to carry out the seven core competencies of the submarine force: anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, delivery of special operations forces, strike warfare, irregular warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance and mine warfare. It’s 377 feet long and 34 feet wide and weighs nearly 7,800 tons, powered by a nuclear reactor to push the boat through water at speeds of more than 25 knots while submerged.
As the most modern and sophisticated attack submarine in the world, the submarine can operate in both littoral and deep ocean environments and presents combatant commanders with a broad and unique range of operational capabilities.
Lazusky's mother and father, Christine and Walter Lazusky, reside in his hometown of Cochranton, Pennsylvania.