Lieutenant Zachary Martirano teaches Politics, American Government, and National Security. A native of San Diego, California, He received his commission by way of Officer Candidate School in September of 2019.

LT Martirano’s first sea assignment was aboard USS LABOON (DDG 58) where he served as the Main Propulsion Officer and the Visit Board Search and Seizure Officer. While on LABOON, he participated in Operation INHERENT RESOLVE, FREEDOM SENTINEL and FINAL COUNTDOWN with the IKE CSG in support of the Afghanistan withdrawal. As the VBSS Officer he led his boarding team in multiple flag verification boarding’s while direct support to CTF 151 as a part of Operation CHINOOK ARCHER. Leveraging his Marine Interdiction experience, he became the Assistant VBSS assessor for CSG-4 and was responsible for mentoring, training, and certifying all deploying VBSS teams in the Atlantic Fleet.

Most recently served as the Navigator onboard USS STOCKDALE (DDG 106). Deployed in support of Operation SPARTAN SHIELD and PROSPERITY GUARDIAN to deter Houthi rebel aggression and safeguard freedom of the seas. Combat Veteran of twenty-one engagements with Houthi rebels including being the Officer of the Deck during the largest U.S Navy surface ship enemy engagement since WWII.

Mission Type Orders Course, National Security Space Institute, (2025)

Introduction to Space, National Security Space Institute (2023)

Surface Navigator Course, Surface Warfare Officer Schools Command (2023)

Advanced Division Officer School, Surface Warfare Officer Schools Command (2023)

Maritime Security and Intelligence Operations Course, Information Warfare Training Command (2022)

Visit Board Search and Seizure Officer School, Center for Security Forces (2020)

Maritime Ballistic Missile Defense Staff Course, Tactical Training Group Atlantic, (2020)

Basic Division Officer School, Surface Warfare Officer Schools Command (2020)

Master of Science, Homeland Security, San Diego State University (2020)

Emergency Management Institute-Independent Study Program, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) (2019)

Bachelor of Science, Criminal Justice, Nyack College (2018)

Associate for Transfer, Administration of Justice, Ventura College (2016)

Instructor of Political Science, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colo. (2025-Present)

Navigator, USS STOCKDALE (DDG106), San Diego, Calif. (2022-2024)

Visit Board Search and Seizure (VBSS) Assistant Assessor, Carrier Strike Group-4 (CSG-4), Norfolk, Va. (2021-2022)

Main Propulsion Officer, USS LABOON (DDG 58), Norfolk, Va. (2020-2022)

Navy Achievement Medal with two gold stars

Combat Action Ribbon

Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon

Battle “E” Ribbon

National Defense Service Medal

Global War on Terrorism Service Medal

Global War on Terrorism-Expeditionary Medal with a bronze star

Sea Service Award with a bronze star

Expert Pistol Qualification

Expert Rifle Qualification

International Relations

Diplomacy and the Military

Nine-Dash Line

Naval Warfare

Geopolitics of the Middle East