MAYPORT, Fla. - Lt. Cmdr. Michael Balistreri, a native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, serves aboard one of the country’s most versatile combat ships, USS St. Louis, operating out of Mayport, Florida.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class James Green, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
Balistreri, a 2008 graduate of Rufus King High School, joined the Navy 11 years ago.
“I joined the Navy because I always enjoyed being on or near the water,” said Balistreri. “I also knew that I wanted to go to college and serve in some capacity. Joining the Navy by going to the Naval Academy in Annapolis, was the perfect combination of service, college and being on the water.”
Today, Balistreri relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Milwaukee to succeed in the military.
“Having grown up in the city itself and attending Milwaukee Public Schools, I learned early on that people of different backgrounds and experiences who come together for a common purpose not only betters those involved but also strengthen an organization,” said Balistreri. “I've found the Navy values diversity as a strength, particularly because we serve people from literally all over the world.”
These lessons have helped Balistreri while serving in the Navy.
St. Louis is a fast, optimally-manned, mission-tailored surface combatant that operates in near-shore and open-ocean environments, according to Navy officials. Littoral combat ships integrate with joint, combined, manned and unmanned teams to support forward-presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence missions around the globe.
Littoral combat ships are hybrid surface combatants that lead manned-unmanned teams using unmanned aerial systems like the Fire Scout and Expeditionary Ordnance Disposal forces unmanned underwater vehicles. They conduct forward and maritime security missions like the Secretary of Defense Oceania Maritime Security Initiative. The ships also strengthen partnerships through port visits in small island nations like Tahiti and Fiji due to their shallow-depth hull.
According to Navy officials, the path to becoming an LCS sailor is unique and challenging. The culmination of their 18-month training pipeline, sailors qualify on a virtual reality simulator that is nearly identical to the ship. This intense and realistic training pipeline allows sailors to execute their roles and responsibilities immediately upon stepping on board.
With 90 percent of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to trained sailors and a strong Navy.
"Our mission remains timeless - to provide our fellow citizens with nothing less than the very best Navy: fully combat ready at all times, focused on warfighting excellence, and committed to superior leadership at every single level," said Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations. "This is our calling. And I cannot imagine a calling more worthy."
Serving in the Navy means Balistreri is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on strengthening alliances, modernizing capabilities, increasing capacities and maintaining military readiness in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“The Navy is important to our forward-deployed presence, multi-national exercises and readiness act as a deterrent to larger conflict,” said Balistreri. "I've not met anyone who wants to go to war, but should that occur, we are ready to win on behalf of our nation and allies."
Balistreri and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I”m most proud of leading sailors and executing real-world missions while deployed, including rescue and assistance to distressed mariners,” said Balistreri. “In terms of personal achievements, I am proud to have been voted by my Department Head peer group as the Arleigh Burke Award recipient for Outstanding Leadership in 2020, and voted by my subordinates and peers in receiving the Navy and Marine Association Leadership Award in 2022.”
As Balistreri and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“To me, serving means giving more of yourself to the organization and others than I take for myself,” said Balistreri. "It means bearing additional burdens to allow others to thrive, both in and outside of the Navy. I also serve because my son, who has significant medical needs, can receive incredible health care benefits."
Balistreri is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my parents, siblings, friends, mentors and teachers for teaching me values that have helped me be successful and all their support when life has its challenges,” said Balistreri.
“l am proud to have been selected from a highly-competitive group as a Navy Legislative Fellow in Washington, D.C., starting in January 2024,” added Balistreri.