![Cmdr. Frank Azzarello](http://images04.military.com/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail_large/public/2021-06/facebook-Frank-Azzarello-1200.jpg?itok=RKbzMx1S "When Cmdr. Frank Azzarello was removed from his post on the destroyer Forrest Sherman, days before his change-of-command ceremony, the Navy said it was over a "loss of confidence in his ability to command." (Forrest Sherman Facebook page)")
Get the Military Insider Newsletter
Get the latest on pay updates, benefit changes and award-winning military content. Right in your inbox.
About Konstantin Toropin
Konstantin Toropin was a reporter for Military.com from 2021-2025, where he served as the publication's Pentagon correspondent while also specializing in coverage of the Navy. His coverage focused on the quality of life for service members in the military and included reporting that ranged from contaminated water aboard the USS Boxer and a suicide cluster on the USS George Washington to child abuse at military base facilities.
He is a Navy veteran, having served five years in the surface fleet as a signals intelligence analyst. Prior to joining Military.com, he also covered breaking national news for CNN.
In 2023, he was recognized as one of the top 10 veterans in journalism by Military Veterans in Journalism (MVJ) and -- along with a team of Military.com reporters -- received the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation award for reporting on national defense for 2023.
Expertise
- Navy signals intelligence analyst
- Journalist since 2016
Professional Roles
- Reporter for Military.com
- Reporter for CNN
Education
- Holds a Master's in Mass Communication from the University of Minnesota
- Holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism from Penn State
Achievements
- Recognized as one of the top military veterans in journalism by MVJ in 2023
- Part of a team that received the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation award for distinguished reporting on national defense for 2023
- Part of a team that received the Honorable Mention for Best Investigative Journalism by Military Reporters and Editors in 2024
