Rear Adm. Anthony E. “Tony” Rossi, a native of South San Francisco, California, earned a bachelor’s degree in control systems engineering and was commissioned from the U.S. Naval Academy. 

Rossi served operationally as a P-3 pilot in Patrol Squadron 9, Naval Air Station (NAS) Barbers Point, Hawaii; Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron 1, NAS Whidbey Island, Washington; and Special Projects Patrol Squadron 2, Marine Corps Base Kaneohe, Hawaii. During these tours, he participated in operations Southern Watch, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom.

His previous shore assignments at NAS Patuxent River, Maryland included service as a test pilot in Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 20; MQ-4C Triton development lead (PMA-262), P-8A Poseidon team lead (PMA-290); Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft program manager (PMA-290); and Mission Integration and Special Programs program office program manager (PMA-298). In July 2021, he assumed duty as director, Navy International Programs, and in July 2025 he assumed responsibilities as commander, Fleet Readiness Centers.

Rossi is a graduate from the US. Naval Test Pilot School and holds a master’s degree in electrical engineering from Tufts University. He is also a graduate of the Air Command and Staff College and the Defense Systems Management College.

His personal decorations include the Legion of Merit (two awards), Meritorious Service Medal (four awards), Air Medal S/F, Navy Commendation Medal (three awards), and Navy Achievement Medal.  Rossi was also recognized as the Naval Test Wing Atlantic Test Pilot of the Year for 2004 and Department of the Navy Program Manager of the Year for 2019.