Lowell has a number of young men and women willing to sacrifice for their country. From attending the Naval Academy to enlisting in the Army, the community has been well represented in the Armed Forces.
Joel Uzarski made a commitment to the nation more than 18 years ago and has since risen in the ranks of the U.S. Navy. A member of Lowell High School’s Class of 1996, he was recently promoted to become the Commanding Officer of the USS Gridley. Its honor that comes after nearly two decades of working around the world on various ships, all in the name of keeping our country safe.
Starting a Career, Raising a Family in the Navy
While Uzarski has made a career out of service in the U.S. Navy, he also considered joining the Army. As a Lowell high school student, he applied to – and was accepted by – both the U.S. Naval Academy and West Point.
Ultimately, the Naval Academy won out. Uzarski had a cousin who had already attended the academy, and he was intrigued by the opportunities presented by life at sea. “I was originally interested in submarines,” he says. However, Uzarski quickly realized that path wasn’t for him, and he has instead served in several different capacities since his initial commission as an ensign in 2000.
Uzarski found more than a career in Annapolis, the home of the U.S. Naval Academy. That’s also where he met his wife, Heather. The couple have two children, Jackson and Katherine, and the family lives in Washington State near the home port of the USS Gridley.
Rising to the Rank of Commander
Since being commissioned, Uzarski has spent time on the USS Fletcher, USS McFaul and the USS Lake Erie. Among other duties, he was deployed to the Arabian Sea and participated in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. His shore tour included a three year stint as an executive officer in a missile defense agency in Washington D.C.
In the midst of his assignments, Uzarski found time to go back to school and earn his master’s degree as well as several Joint Professional Military Education certificates. He has earned a number of personal awards including the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals.
“I’ve had a very unique opportunity to lead really great sailors from all over the world,” Uzarski says. He’ll continue to have that opportunity in his new position as commanding officer of the USS Gridley, a role he assumed in July 2018. As commander, he’ll oversee approximately 320 men and women ranging from those in their teens to their mid-40s.
The ship recently finished a 17-month maintenance phase and is now going through basic training. By December, the crew will begin advanced training in anticipation of a deployment that could last 6-9 months. The USS Gridley is a multi-mission ship that has intel capability and can provide air defense, underwater defense and other offensive and defensive operations.
“I can go pretty much anywhere the country needs me,” Uzarski says. Part of the work of ships like the USS Gridley is, as Uzarski describes it, “showing the flag.” Ships travel the oceans to provide support to allies and remind potential adversaries that the U.S. remains ready to defend itself and its interests if needed.
Navy Offers Opportunities and a Purpose
Uzarski is clearly passionate about his work. “The Navy is a great place to be and gives you a sense of purpose,” he says. It’s a career path that he recommends teens and young adults consider. “There is a lot of opportunity to serve the country in some way.”
As for his roots in Lowell, Uzarski says he tries to get back as often as possible. His parents and one brother still live in the community while another brother is also in West Michigan.
Not everyone wants to spend their days on the water, but life at sea clearly suits this Lowell grad. If you’d like to follow along on his adventures, be sure to check out and like the official USS Gridley Facebook page. You can also read more about his assignments and accomplishments in his official bio.
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