The Theodore Roosevelt Association (TRA) proudly recognized Lieutenant Jonathan Cipoletta as the recipient of the 2026 USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) Junior Officer of the Year Award during the Theodore Roosevelt Convention (#TeddyCon), held October 9–11 at the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora, North Dakota.
Established in 1992, the award recognizes junior officers serving aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt who exemplify the values President Theodore Roosevelt championed: courage, professionalism, pride, and dedication to duty.
On October 10th, the presentation was led by Vice Admiral David Architzel, USN (Ret.), who commanded the USS Theodore Roosevelt from 1996 to 1998 and currently serves as the TRA's Vice President for Naval Affairs and a member of its Board of Trustees.
With the USS Theodore Roosevelt currently deployed, Lieutenant Cipoletta was unable to attend in person. Instead, convention attendees viewed a special video featuring the ship's Commanding Officer, Captain William Mathis, and the award recipient.
Captain Mathis praised Cipoletta as "an amazing warfighter" whose contributions extend well beyond his responsibilities in the ship's legal department. In addition to overseeing disciplinary matters, Cipoletta regularly stands watch on the bridge.
"So yes, we've got a lawyer driving this fine warship, and he does a fantastic job," Captain Mathis remarked.
Highlighting Cipoletta's leadership and mentorship, Captain Mathis added, "People are continually seeking him out for his advice and his help and his mentorship. He has gone above and beyond each and every day. I'm damn proud to serve with him each and every day, and I'm proud to recognize him as TRA's Junior Officer of the Year."
Lieutenant Cipoletta responded with gratitude and humility, thanking his commanding officer, fellow sailors, and family for their support.
"Absolutely humbled to serve every day. Thank you so much for the support," Cipoletta shared. "Captain, it is an honor to serve with you. Very empathetic leader. Makes it very easy to come to work every day. More importantly, I want to thank my wife and I want to thank my great team that I get to serve with."
A native of Union City, New Jersey, Lieutenant Cipoletta earned his bachelor's degrees from Northern Arizona University. After approximately nine years in the restaurant industry, he pursued a legal career, earning his Juris Doctor from Western State College of Law in 2023 before receiving his commission in the United States Navy.
Licensed to practice law in New Jersey and Alabama, Lieutenant Cipoletta began his naval career at Region Legal Service Office Southwest, serving as a legal assistance attorney and Staff Judge Advocate for Naval Base San Diego. Following his initial assignment, he was hand-selected to serve as Deputy Staff Judge Advocate aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt.
The Junior Officer of the Year Award reflects the TRA's longstanding relationship with the USS Theodore Roosevelt and its crew. Through initiatives including the Junior Officer of the Year Award, Wings Over America scholarships, and the Homeward Bound program, the TRA continues to honor and support the men and women serving aboard the aircraft carrier named for America's 26th President.
Recognizing Lieutenant Cipoletta at the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library provided a particularly meaningful setting, connecting President Theodore Roosevelt's enduring legacy of leadership, service, and duty with the next generation of American naval officers.
The Theodore Roosevelt Association congratulates Lieutenant Cipoletta on this well-deserved recognition and extends its gratitude to Captain Mathis and the entire crew of the USS Theodore Roosevelt for their continued service and dedication to our nation.
Highlighting Cipoletta's leadership and mentorship, Captain Mathis added, "People are continually seeking him out for his advice and his help and his mentorship. He has gone above and beyond each and every day. I'm damn proud to serve with him each and every day, and I'm proud to recognize him as TRA's Junior Officer of the Year."
Lieutenant Cipoletta responded with gratitude and humility, thanking his commanding officer, fellow sailors, and family for their support.
"Absolutely humbled to serve every day. Thank you so much for the support," Cipoletta shared. "Captain, it is an honor to serve with you. Very empathetic leader. Makes it very easy to come to work every day. More importantly, I want to thank my wife and I want to thank my great team that I get to serve with."
A native of Union City, New Jersey, Lieutenant Cipoletta earned his bachelor's degrees from Northern Arizona University. After approximately nine years in the restaurant industry, he pursued a legal career, earning his Juris Doctor from Western State College of Law in 2023 before receiving his commission in the United States Navy.
Licensed to practice law in New Jersey and Alabama, Lieutenant Cipoletta began his naval career at Region Legal Service Office Southwest, serving as a legal assistance attorney and Staff Judge Advocate for Naval Base San Diego. Following his initial assignment, he was hand-selected to serve as Deputy Staff Judge Advocate aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt.
The Junior Officer of the Year Award reflects the TRA's longstanding relationship with the USS Theodore Roosevelt and its crew. Through initiatives including the Junior Officer of the Year Award, Wings Over America scholarships, and the Homeward Bound program, the TRA continues to honor and support the men and women serving aboard the aircraft carrier named for America's 26th President.
Recognizing Lieutenant Cipoletta at the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library provided a particularly meaningful setting, connecting President Theodore Roosevelt's enduring legacy of leadership, service, and duty with the next generation of American naval officers.
The Theodore Roosevelt Association congratulates Lieutenant Cipoletta on this well-deserved recognition and extends its gratitude to Captain Mathis and the entire crew of the USS Theodore Roosevelt for their continued service and dedication to our nation.