SAN DIEGO - Lt. Mike Loscalzo serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 8, at Naval Air Station North Island, California.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Caleb Kissner, Fleet Public Affairs Center San Diego |
Loscalzo completed a year at the Naval Academy Preparatory School in 2015 before going on to earn a bachelor’s degree in economics from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2019.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Sarasota, where Loscalzo’s parents now live.
“Between my parents and the teachers and coaches I had in high school, they all really taught me the importance of hard work and discipline,” Loscalzo said. “Playing on the lacrosse team, and later being team captain, kind of gave me the foundations of hard work, leadership and discipline that have evolved over time and bled over into my Navy career. Having that foundation early in high school and then at the Naval Academy, helped me transition into becoming an officer.”
Loscalzo joined the Navy seven years ago. Today, Loscalzo serves as a pilot.
“Poppy, my grandfather, served in the Navy and I had two cousins who went to the Naval Academy, so that was my exposure to the Navy,” Loscalzo said. “I was recruited to play lacrosse at the Naval Academy. I always knew I wanted to give back to my country in some capacity, so when I got recruited for lacrosse, it all kind of lined up.”
The “Eightballers” of HSC-8 fly and maintain the MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter, the Navy’s versatile and most advanced rotary wing maritime platform. Their missions include airborne mine countermeasures, combat search and rescue, anti-surface warfare, combat logistics and medevac.
Loscalzo has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I earned my wings in October 2022, and that is a big accomplishment, but I’m also proud of my 2024 deployment when we rescued two Iranian fishermen whose boat had capsized,” Loscalzo said. “I was part of that crew. That was a really proud moment to be able to say I helped save someone’s life.
Loscalzo is also proud of earning the aircraft commander qualification.
“It’s that last qualification you make before you can take the helicopter out on your own,” Loscalzo said. “As aircraft commander, you’re in charge of the flight and the entire crew to ensure a safe and successful mission. It really puts your decision-making and leadership to the test. I related it back to being team captain on the lacrosse team, where you’re in charge of everybody in the crew, just like being in charge of everyone on the team.”
This year, the Navy is commemorating its contribution to the nation’s defense as the United States celebrates 250 years of independence. According to Navy officials, for more than 250 years, the Navy has sailed the globe defending freedom and protecting prosperity.
With 90% 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 recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
“For me, serving in the Navy means everything,” Loscalzo said. “I’m very proud to serve in the Navy. It’s an opportunity for me to give back to the country that provided me with so many opportunities growing up. It means I’m doing my part to ensure future generations have a safe and secure future and freedom.”
Loscalzo is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“First and foremost, I want to thank my parents and family for all the love and support,” Loscalzo said. “I also want to thank my wife for her support back at home, especially with me being away for long periods of time.”