Captain Michael Wolfe

Captain Michael "Padre" Wolfe serves as the J5, Director for Plans and Policy, and Chief of the International Affairs Division at Joint Interagency Task Force South (JIATF-S). In this role, he spearheads campaign planning, policy integration, and the operational and intelligence integration of 24 Foreign Liaison Officers representing 21 partner nations to detect and monitor illicit drug trafficking across the air and maritime domains in the JITAF-S Joint Operating Area (JOA).

A native of Louisville, Kentucky, CAPT Wolfe enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 2002 as an Aviation Electrician's Mate and earned his commission through Officer Candidate School in 2005. Designated as a Naval Flight Officer in 2007, he developed extensive operational expertise in Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA), and multi-sensor aerial reconnaissance.

Over his operational aviation career in the P-3C Orion and P-8A Poseidon, CAPT Wolfe deployed across the U.S. 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th Fleet Areas of Responsibility. His career includes service as a Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) at the Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Weapons School, Catapult and Arresting Gear Officer and Assistant Air Officer aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71), Operations Officer with VP-16, and Fleet Replacement Squadron, VP-30, Training Officer. He subsequently commanded the "Tridents" of Patrol Squadron TWENTY-SIX (VP-26) and Task Group 72.4 in Misawa, Japan.

CAPT Wolfe holds a Bachelor of Science in Electronic Systems Technologies from Southern Illinois University and a Master of Science in National Security Strategy from the National War College. His personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (five awards), and Air Medal (two awards).