USS Theodore Roosevelt Junior Officer Leadership Award, established in 1992 by The Theodore Roosevelt Association, is bestowed annually on a junior officer serving on CVN-71 who exemplifies the exceptional leadership, pride, professionalism, and dedication to duty embodied by President Theodore Roosevelt.

This year’s award goes to Justin Waskey, who, as the Assistant Navigator, flawlessly executed a dynamic deployment through THIRD, SEVENTH, and FIFTH Fleets in support of Operations INHERENT RESOLVE and FREEDOM’S SENTINEL. He directly led the planning and safe navigation over 55,000 miles traveled to include 27 replenishments at sea, 10 straits transits, and 10 inbound and outbound navigation details through restricted waters. Additionally, LT Waskey oversaw the training for Officer of the Deck and Command Duty Officers, leading to critical qualifications for over 40 personnel throughout the deployment. His leadership across and throughout the ship as the ‘go-to’ junior officer for all things in Navigation and beyond led to his well-deserved recognition as the #1 junior officer in his peer group. Justin continuously performs at an exceptional level, no matter what the task. As the liaison between the Strike Group and DESRON he coordinated daily by leading synchronization meetings that enhanced relationships and built trust across the Warfare Commanders. LT Waskey leads his department, his bridge watchstanders, and his peers. His key role in the extremely successful deployment of USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT made him the clear candidate for this prestigious award.

The youngest of three brothers, Justin grew up in Louisville, Kentucky. He attended the U.S. Naval Academy, where he studied Economics and Chinese and played on the men’s soccer team. Justin graduated in 2008 and, after two years of additional training, was designated a Naval Aviator in 2010. He has flown helicopters on three deployments, visited twenty countries, and lived in six different states to date. In 2016, he was selected as the U.S. Navy Pilot of the Year. Justin currently serves as the Assistant Navigator on USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT and resides in San Diego, California with his wife, Stephanie.