Executive Officer
Cmdr. Brad "Swoosh" Shillito
Cmdr. Shillito, a native of Corinth, Mississippi, graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2009, earning a Bachelor of Science in Economics. Shillito reported to Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, Florida, for flight training in June 2009. He earned his Naval Aviator Wings of Gold in July 2011 and subsequently reported to the Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 40 “Airwolves” for initial fleet training as an MH-60R Seahawk helicopter Fleet Replacement Pilot.
Shillito began his operational flying in May 2012 with the “Spartans” of HSM-70. While with the Spartans, he deployed aboard USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) conducting operations in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Inherent Resolve. He served as the Quality Assurance Officer while at HSM-70.
He attended the Seahawk Weapons and Tactics Instructor (SWTI) course in September 2015, and upon graduation earned his qualification as a SWTI. Shillito then reported to the Rotary Wing Weapons School at the Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center (NAWDC) in Fallon, Nevada, where he served as SWTI Course Program Manager.
Following his tour at the Rotary Wing Weapons School, he reported to HSM-74 as the Training Officer. While with the “Swamp Foxes,” He deployed aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel.
Shillito then reported to the “Proud Warriors” of HSM-72 as a Department Head. While with the Proud Warriors, he served as the Training Officer, Officer in Charge of Detachment 3, and Maintenance Officer and deployed aboard USS Gravely (DDG 107) and USS Harry S Truman (CVN 75) in support of NATO Operations within the Mediterranean Sea.
Following his department head tour, attended the United States Naval War College where he earned a Master of Arts in Defense and Strategic Studies. He was selected for squadron command in March 2023 and reported to HSM-74 as the Executive Officer in May 2025.
Shillito has accumulated over 2,300 flight hours. His awards include the Navy Commendation Medal (three awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and various unit commendations, service and other campaign awards.