Rear Admiral Thomas Marotta

Rear Admiral Thomas Marotta, a New Jersey native and 1985 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, was designated a Naval Aviator in March 1987. 

Flying the F-14 Tomcat, Marotta twice deployed with VF-21 to the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean, the second in support of Operation Desert Shield. In 1991, Marotta reported for instructor duty with the “Gunfighters” of VF-124, where he was chosen by his peers as the 1992 Pacific Fleet  F-14 Instructor of the Year. In 1994, Marotta became CAG Paddles for CVW-14, completing his third deployment, in support of Operation Southern Watch.

Marotta left active service in 1995 and affiliated with VF-201 at NAS Dallas. He remained with the “Hunters” as they moved to NAS Fort Worth JRB and transitioned to the F/A-18 Hornet. He took command of VFA-201 in March 2002. The squadron was mobilized in October 2002 and deployed in USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Follow on tours included commanding officer of NR CV NE 0209, a unit supporting Atlantic Fleet carriers, commanding officer of NR TF Navy Casualty in support of Navy Casualty Assistance and POW/MIA Affairs, commanding officer of Navy Reserve, Commander Naval Forces Europe/Commander 6th Fleet Maritime Partnership Program Detachment 513 conducting international engagement operations in the Black/Caspian Sea Region and deputy commander, Navy Reserve Component Command Southeast. 

Marotta has completed the U.S. Air Force Air Command and Staff College JPME program, the Reserve Component National Security Course, the Joint Forces Reserve Officer Orientation Course (JFROC), and the Harvard Kennedy School of Government Black Sea Security Course. 

Marotta has logged over 3300 hours and 500 carrier landings in Navy Aircraft. He has been awarded the Legion of Merit (two awards), Navy and Marine Corps Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal (two awards), Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (two awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two awards), Navy Expert Pistol Medal and numerous service medals and unit citations.  In civilian life, Marotta is a Captain and Instructor Pilot with a major international cargo airline.