Lieutenant Josh “Minkus” Portzer was born in Hickory, North Carolina. He attended the University of Virginia, graduating with distinction in 2010 with a B.A. in both Middle Eastern languages and philosophy. He was selected for Naval Flight Officer (NFO) training and commissioned an ensign in 2010 through the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC). After completing advanced training at the P-3 Fleet Replacement Squadron, Patrol Squadron THREE ZERO (VP-30), he reported to Patrol Squadron FOUR (VP-4), Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, in 2012. There he deployed twice to the C6F EUCOM/AFRICOM Areas of Responsibility (AOR). Josh reported to the Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Weapons School (MPRWS) in 2015, completing both the Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course and a transition to the P-8A Poseidon. During his tenure he was the program manager for the Maritime WTI program, the innovation cross functional team chair, and led the MPRWS’ Advanced Airborne Sensor (AAS) transition team. In 2018, he deployed on the USS HARRY S TRUMAN (CVN 75) to the C6F AOR, earning his Officer of the Deck, Underway (OOD (U)). Most recently, he served on the USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73) as the assistant navigator and Ventilation Production Group superintendent. He additionally served as a Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Victim Advocate and a Casualty Assistance Calls Officer. For his service, Josh has received numerous awards including the Navy and Marine Association Leadership Award, Secretary of the Navy Innovation Award and the Navy Achievement Medal. He currently resides in Norfolk, Virginia, with his wife, Joelle.