CDR Joseph Waurio is from Kalamazoo, Michigan, where he graduated from Western Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Administration.  He was designated a Naval Flight Officer (NFO) at Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola in December of 2009.  Following initial FRS training, he reported to the Black Aces of VFA-41 and deployed twice on the John C. Stennis (CVN 74) in support of Operations New Dawn and Enduring Freedom.  

After completion of Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN) in September of 2013, CDR Waurio reported to Strike Fighter Weapons School Atlantic (SFWSL).  At SFWSL, CDR Waurio served as the FAC(A) Director and subject matter expert of Laser Guided and Direct Attack Weapons.  In January 2016, CDR Waurio reported to the Checkmates of VFA-211 and served as the squadron Training Officer deploying aboard the Harry S Truman (CVN 75) in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.  

In September of 2019, CDR Waurio reported to the Red Rippers of VFA-11 for his Department Head tour.  With the Rippers, he served as Safety Officer, Administration Officer, Operations Officer, and Maintenance Officer, in addition to deploying again on CVN 75 in support of Fifth Fleet Operations.  Following his Department Head Tour, CDR Waurio reported to the Joint Staff, J-3 Directorate, serving as Presidential Strike Advisor and Emergence Actions Officer for the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff at the National Military Command Center.

CDR Waurio has accumulated over 2,600 flight hours and 650 arrested landings in the F/A-18F Super Hornet. His personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Strike/Flight Air Medal (two awards), the Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medal (three awards), the Navy-Marine Corps Achievement Medal (three awards), and various other unit and campaign awards.