WHEREAS, Captain Michael Francis Ott, Jr., USN, Ret., a distinguished veteran and beloved member of the Virginia Beach community, died on July 10, 2020; and

WHEREAS, born in Youngstown, Ohio, Michael "Mike" Ott was raised in Richmond, where he attended Benedictine High School; and

WHEREAS, after graduating with a bachelor's degree in political science from the United States Naval Academy in 1988, Mike Ott received his commission in the United States Navy; and

WHEREAS, Mike Ott would further his education by earning a master's degree in information technology from the Naval Postgraduate School and master's degree in defense studies from King's College in London; and

WHEREAS, serving on active duty for 31 years, Mike Ott primarily supported the United States' expeditionary and amphibious forces and led various units at sea; he was previously stationed in both Honolulu, Hawaii, and London, but spent more than two decades at what is now the Joint Expeditionary Base–Little Creek in Virginia Beach; and

WHEREAS, concluding his naval career as commodore of Naval Beach Group Two, Mike Ott oversaw a staff of more than 1,800 individuals and had the responsibility to equip and certify over 40 landing crafts while training more than 600 sailors; and

WHEREAS, greatly admired and respected by his fellow servicemen and officers, Mike Ott was recognized with several distinctions throughout his career, including the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and other assorted unit, campaign, and service medals; and

WHEREAS, a proud and devoted family man, Mike Ott was a reliable presence at his sons' sporting events over the years and supported them in every endeavor they pursued; and

WHEREAS, Mike Ott will be dearly remembered and fondly missed by his loving wife of 32 years, Shawn; his children, Michael, Nathan, Andrew, and Dayton; his mother, Sheila; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Delegates hereby note with great sadness the loss of Captain Michael Francis Ott, Jr., USN, Ret., an honored veteran who led and inspired countless individuals through his courage, kindness, and generosity; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Captain Michael Francis Ott, Jr., USN, Ret. as an expression of the House of Delegates' respect for his memory.