COMMANDER PAUL LANZILOTTA

CDR Paul J. Lanzilotta earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and was commissioned through NROTC in May 1994.

CDR Lanzilotta completed Primary and Intermediate flight training in Pensacola, Florida and chose to fly the E-2C Hawkeye. He then reported to VAW-120, Norfolk, Virginia as a prospective Fleet Replacement NFO and was designated a Naval Flight Officer in July 1996.

In April 1997, CDR Lanzilotta reported to the Bluetails of VAW-121, aboard USS JOHN C. STENNIS. He served as First Lieutenant and Line Division Officer. In between deployments, CDR Lanzilotta completed the 10-week TOPGUN Airborne Intercept Controller course with class 03-99 and controlled the Grad Strike. During his second deployment cycle, now aboard USS EISENHOWER, he performed duties as NFO NATOPS Officer and NFO Training Officer.

CDR Lanzilotta was selected to attend the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School, Patuxent River, MD, beginning in June 2000. He completed the Airborne Systems curriculum with Class 119 in June 2001, having flown 19 different aircraft models including the German Tornado. He continued his developmental flight test tour at the Naval Air Warfare Center – Aircraft Division from July 2001 through September 2003 with VX-20 where he was the lead Project Officer for several E-2C test projects including Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC), Radar Modernization Program/Advanced Hawkeye (RMP/AHE), and Advanced Operational Systems.

While serving as a Test Project Officer, CDR Lanzilotta earned his Master of Science degree in Systems Engineering from the Johns Hopkins University in May 2003.

CDR Lanzilotta’s next assignment brought him to Mayport, FL, where he served as the Flag Lieutenant to Commander, Carrier Group SIX / John F. Kennedy Strike Group. He sailed during workups and deployment aboard USS JOHN F. KENNEDY, supporting Operations IRAQI FREEDOM and ENDURING FREEDOM.

In June 2005, CDR Lanzilotta reported to the Bluetails of VAW-121 for his department head tour. He served as safety and operations officer, sailing aboard USS GEORGE WASHINGTON during the 2006 Partnership of the Americas deployment. He also conducted sustained operations in support of JTF Katrina and Operation SOUTHEAST WATCH. After departing VAW-121 in February 2008, CDR Lanzilotta reported to Headquarters US European Command, serving in the operations directorate (J-3) as the Focal Point Control Officer and Lead Time Sensitive Planner.

CDR Lanzilotta has logged over 2200 hours in 21 different aircraft. His personal awards include the Navy Commendation Medal (three awards), Navy Achievement Medal (two awards), and various unit and campaign awards.