Sailor Story: The Life of an Aviation Warfare Systems Operator

[Navy for Moms Admin]

Sailor: Aviation Warfare Systems Operator Petty Officer 2nd Class (AW2) Jason Pelliccione, Naval Air Station (NAS) Patuxent River, Md.
Mom: Bonnie Pelliccione, Castleton, Vt.

“I wanted an adventure as a kid,” says triple Air Medal recipient and Aviation Warfare Systems Operator Petty Officer 2nd Class (AW2) Jason Pelliccione. The U.S. Navy came at the perfect time for Pelliccione. After watching the U.S. Navy Band perform at Fair Haven Union High School in his hometown of Castleton, Vt., he enlisted in the Navy’s Delayed Entry Program. Raised in a very supportive home, his mother Bonnie was on board and very proud of her son.

Pelliccione wanted adventure and that’s what he got. He graduated Boot Camp the week of September 10, 2001. As America grappled with the worst terror attack in its history, Pelliccione vowed to dedicate his life to protecting and ensuring the safety of his country. This young hero chose a path through the Navy that is befitting of his spirit and bravery.

Shortly after Boot Camp, Pelliccione completed countless trainings and qualifications at the Naval Aircrew Candidate School (NACCS) in Pensacola, Fla. He then graduated from Aviation Rescue Swimmer School, where his sturdy character guided him through rigorous trainings, as he was one of only eight graduates of an elite class that began with 125 members. Pelliccione went on to complete flight training with Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Ten (HS-10) in San Diego, Calif.

In September 2003, Pelliccione embarked on his first deployment aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) as an Aircrewman Rescue Swimmer and Plane Guard. He toured Hawaii, Australia, Japan and Alaska, flying rescue missions on a Sikorsky SH-60 Seahawk.

“I spent a lot of my time in the air while on board Stennis,” Pelliccione says. “I partook in rescue missions that opened my eyes and showed me how real and important my job was. In Alaska, I had an opportunity to land on an iceberg! I stepped out of my helicopter and created a snow angel. The cool moments go above and beyond what I expected.”

In 2005, Pelliccione volunteered for his first of two deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. While stationed north of Baghdad at Balad Air base, he supported Special Forces in anti-terrorist efforts, contributing to more than 250 terrorist captures.

“It’s like a big chess match out there,” Pelliccione says. “I took part in protecting America on the front lines – it felt scary at times, but it was awesome.”

Pelliccione was then selected to support Operation Enduring Freedom in the Philippine Sea, supporting the Special Operations Command-Pacific to prevent weapons trafficking and money smuggling. Upon his arrival home, he was rewarded for his heroic efforts and received his first Air Medal.

Just three weeks later, Pelliccione left for his second deployment to Iraq. Stationed at Basra International Airport, he spent five months supporting Special Forces and patrolling the areas around Basra Palace, one of the many residences of former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein. He also guarded USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) against threats from local insurgents.

Bonnie could not be more proud of her son. “He has accomplished so much,” she says. “I am astounded by his bravery each and every day.”

In 2007, Pelliccione received two additional back-to-back Air Medals for his service in Iraq. He is currently enjoying a well-deserved shore duty, training in Mine Counter Measures at the Naval Air Station in Patuxent, Md. He is working toward a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice through the University of Phoenix and is happy to be close to his family once again.

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