CAPT Papesca enlisted in the Navy in 1966. He is a veteran of the Vietnam War. In 1982 he accepted his commission as an Ensign through the LDO program in the USNR. He served as Executive and Commanding. Officer for MIUW 203 and Commanding Officer for MIUW 201. He was called back to active duty to serve in Operation Uphold Democracy (Haiti) and Operation Southern Watch and Enduring Freedom (Iraq). He was assigned to Maritime Expeditionary Security Group TWO as the N-7 STAFF OPS and Plans Officer at the time of his retirement in 2008. CAPT Papesca’s military honors include the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Purple Heart and two Meritorious Service Medals.