Commander Andrew J. Mascotti

Commander Andrew Mascotti was born and raised in Milwaukee, WI.  He graduated from Milwaukee Trade and Technical High School before attending the Naval Academy Prep School in Newport, RI. Following his time at NAPS, he attended the United States Merchant Marine Academy, graduating in 2003 with a Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering and his 3^rd Assistant Engineers License with the U.S.C.G.  After graduation, he reported to Marquette University Naval ROTC unit and assisted with daily operations until reporting to Pensacola, FL for Naval Flight Training.

CDR Mascotti completed his flight training at Naval Air Station Whiting Field, earning his wings of gold and designation as a Naval Aviator in January 2006.  After completing Fleet Replacement Training at Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron TWO in October 2006, CDR Mascotti reported to his first sea-duty assignment with the “Sea Knights” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron TWO TWO in Norfolk, VA.  During that time, he completed two deployments to U.S. FIFTH and SIXTH Fleets onboard the USS KEARSARGE (LHD-3) and the USNS ARTIC (T-AOE-8).  He served as the Assistant Admin Officer, Assistant Operations Officer and Naval Air Training and Operations Standardization Officer (NATOPS). During his tour, he earned designations as a MH-60S Helicopter Aircraft Commander (HAC), Functional Check Pilot (FCP) and Sierra Weapons and Tactics Sea Combat Level III.

CDR Mascotti then reported to the “Fleet Angels” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron TWO in Norfolk, VA as a Fleet Replacement Instructor in March 2010.  He served as Aviation Safety Officer, Fleet Replacement Aircrewman Division Officer and NATOPS Officer. He qualified as FRS Instructor, Deck Landing Qual Instructor and Standardization Pilot while instructing the Navy’s newest helicopter aviators in the MH-60S. During this time he completed his Executive Masters in Business Administration through the Naval Post Graduate School in Monterey, CA.

In March 2013, CDR Mascotti reported onboard the USS KEARSARGE in Norfolk, VA as the V-3 Hangar Deck Officer and completed a deployment to U.S. Fifth Fleet and SIXTH Fleets.  He served as V-3, V-1 and Mini Boss. During his time onboard, he completed his Officer of the Deck Underway and Command Duty Officer Underway and Inport qualifications.

After screening for Department Head, CDR Mascotti transitioned aircraft and reported to Airborne Mine Countermeasures Weapons Systems Training School (AWSTS), the MH-53E Fleet Replacement Squadron for MH-53E training before reporting to his department head tour at Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron FIFTEEN (HM-15).  During that time he completed two deployments to Manana, Bahrain in support of U.S. FIFTH Fleet operations.  He served as the Detachment AOIC, Aviation Safety Officer, MCM Maintenance Officer and Operations Officer.

In February 2018, CDR Mascotti reported to the “Sea Dragons” of Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron TWELVE (HM-12) in Norfolk, VA.  There he instructed the Navy’s newest helicopter aviators in the MH-53E and served as the Training Officer, Operations Officer, Admin Officer and Safety Officer.

Commander Mascotti reported to Commander, Carrier Strike Group TWO in Norfolk, VA in April 2021.  He served as the as the Force Protection Officer, managing security for all IKECSG assets during his two-year tour.

CDR Mascotti has accumulated over 2600 flight hours in the MH-60S and MH-53E. His decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, the Navy Achievement Medal and various unit awards and campaign medals.  CDR Mascotti resides in McFarland, WI with his wife Melissa and three boys, Mason, Cooper and Griffin.