Port native is ROTC commander at MU

Capt. James T. Pokorsky, a native of Port Washington, has been named commander of the Marquette University Reserve Officer Training Corp.

Pokorsky graduated from Marquette University in 1999 with a bachelor of science degree in biomedical engineering.

He received his commission through Marquette University’s ROTC, and upon completion of primary, intermediate and advanced rotary wing flight training was designated a naval aviator in December of 2000.

After flight school, Pokorsky transitioned to the SH-60B Seahawk helicopter with the Airwolves of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light FOUR ZERO and was assigned to the Grandmasters of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light FOUR SIX.

While a member of the Grandmasters, Pokorsky deployed aboard USS Normandy as Detachment SEVEN assistance maintenance officer in support of the USS Enterprise Battle Group during Operation Enduring Freedom.

Pokorsky also deployed onboard the USS Oscar Austin as Detachment ONE maintenance officer in support of BALTOPS 2004.

In 2004 Pokorsky was selected as HSL-46 Pilot of the Year.    

In October of 2004, Pokorsky reported for his initial shore assignment at the Navy Personnel Command, PERS 441, where he served as the Joint Chiefs of Staff placement officer and earned a master of science degree in operational management.

In January of 2006, Pokorsky transferred to Washington, D.C., to serve as the flag aide to the director of air warfare.

From April 2007 to September 2008, Pokorsky served on the USS Iwo Jima  as the hangar deck division officer, handler and assistant air officer. From October 2008 to August 2009, he was assigned to Joint Crew Composite Squadron 1 in Baghdad, Iraq. During his tour, he served in western Iraq with the 3rd Battalion 7th Marines, 2nd Battalion 25th Marines, and II MEF Headquarters Group as an electronic warfare officer.   

In January 2010, Pokorsky reported to the Vipers of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light. During this tour he deployed as officer-in-charge HSL-48 DET 1 onboard USS Leyte Gulf and served as the squadron maintenance officer.

After attending the U.S. Naval War College and earning a master of arts degree in national security and strategic studies, Pokorsky reported to Special Operations Command South in March 2014. There he earned his joint credit while serving in the J5 Strategy, Plans and Policy Directorate and subsequently as director, Commander’s Initiative Group.

Pokorsky commanded Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 72 from October 2016 to August 2019. From August 2019 to July 2024, he was commander of Naval Air Forces Pacific Force Operations Officer.

In August 2024, Pokorsky reported as the professor of Naval Science and commanding officer of the Marquette University NROTC.

Over his career Pokorsky accumulated more than 2,800 flight hours. His awards include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and various other unit and campaign decorations.