A native of Westfield, Indiana, Commander Michael “Squintz” Procelli graduated from Purdue University in 2008, earning a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering. He was commissioned at Navy Officer Candidate School and reported to NAS Pensacola in January 2010 for subsequent flight training.  He was designated a Naval Aviator in February 2012 and reported to the “Gladiators” of VFA-106 at NAS Oceana for initial fleet training in the FA-18C Hornet.

Commander Procelli’s operational assignments include tours with the “Stingers” of VFA-113 and the “Warhawks” of VFA-97. He has completed a deployment onboard USS CARL VINSON (CVN-70) in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE. His shore assignments include tours with the “Grim Reapers” of VFA-101 as Instructor Pilot and the “Vampires” of VX-9 DET Edwards as Operational Test Pilot.

Commander Procelli has accumulated over 2,000 flight hours in multiple aircraft including the F/A-18A/B/C/D/E/F and F-35C. His personal decorations include the Air Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (Three Awards), Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and various service awards and ribbons.

Commander Procelli reported to VFA-125 and assumed Executive Officer of the Rough Raiders in November of 2025.