Capt. Michael Root, a native of Benton, Pennsylvania graduated from Bucknell University in 2001 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering and received his commission through Officer Candidate School in Pensacola, Florida. He also holds a Master of Engineering Management from Old Dominion University and a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from the United States Naval War College.

At sea, he served as combat information center officer aboard USS La Salle (AGF 3); reactor electrical division officer aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72); operations officer aboard USS Lassen (DDG 82); and reactor training assistant aboard USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). He served as executive officer aboard USS Omaha (LCS 12) and commanded USS Jackson (LCS 6) Gold Crew. Additionally, he served as Reactor Officer aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) and USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72).

At shore, Capt. Root served as the plant evaluation officer at Naval Nuclear Power Training Unit, Ballston Spa, New York, as an exercise planner at U.S. Africa Command J-7 directorate, and as the Nuclear Surface Mobile Training Team Officer in Charge at Commander, Naval Air Forces Pacific.

Capt. Root’s personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (three awards) Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (three awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (three awards), and various campaign medals and unit awards including the Battle “E” Excellence Award.

Last Updated: 17 September 2025