Lt. Shawn Picciott, a native of the Syracuse area, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron 122. The command is a strike fighter squadron located aboard the U.S. Navy’s largest master jet base. Picciott joined the Navy four years ago. Today, he serves as a pilot. “I wanted to find a direction after […]
Lt. Shawn Picciott, a native of the Syracuse area, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron 122. The command is a strike fighter squadron located aboard the U.S. Navy’s largest master jet base.
Picciott joined the Navy four years ago. Today, he serves as a pilot.
“I wanted to find a direction after high school,” says Picciott. “I saw attending the Naval Academy as a chance to serve and attend a prestigious college at the same time.”
Growing up in Camillus, Picciott attended West Genesee High School and graduated in 2015. Today, Picciott relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Central New York to succeed in the military.
“Growing up in Syracuse taught me how to live and work in a diverse environment,” says Picciott. “The Navy is extremely diverse, with people representing a variety of different backgrounds.”
These lessons have helped Picciott while serving with the Navy.
Members of VFA-122 fly and maintain the F/A 18 Super Hornet, one of the most advanced aircraft in the world. The Super Hornet takes off from and lands on Navy aircraft carriers at sea and is capable of conducting air-to-air combat, as well as striking targets on land.
Operating from sea aboard aircraft carriers, the Super Hornet gives the Navy the power to protect America’s interests anywhere, at any time. The versatile jet has the ability to destroy targets located hundreds of miles inland. Super Hornets are an all-weather aircraft used as an attack aircraft as well as a fighter. In its fighter mode, the F/A-18 is used primarily as a fighter escort and for fleet air defense; in its attack mode, it is used for interdiction and air support.
With 90 percent of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber-optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the U.S. is directly linked to trained sailors and a strong Navy.
As a member of the Navy, Picciott is part of an organization focused on maintaining maritime dominance, strengthening partnerships, increasing competitive warfighting capabilities, and sustaining combat-ready forces in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“The Navy is critical to national security and superiority at sea,” says Picciott. “F-18 pilots can travel across the world at a moment’s notice, which is a unique capability in the Navy.”
Picciott and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I was extremely proud to earn my wings as a fighter jet pilot,” he says. “There are many challenges to overcome in order to become an F-18 pilot, requiring a significant amount of dedication and perseverance.”
As Picciott and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the U.S. Navy.
“Serving in the Navy means purpose and dedication,” he says. “My work in the service is part of a larger effort and I am proud to contribute to a greater goal.”
Picciott is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my family from Syracuse, who has been there every step of the way,” says Picciott. “I am also extremely grateful for my Naval Academy family, who continue to provide me with a community wherever I go.”
“Making the most of every situation is critical,” added Picciott. “Having an open mind and building relationships can make every Navy challenge great.”