Capt. Terrence M. Shashaty is a native of Brooklyn, New York. He is a 1998 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Economics with Merit. He also received a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies and was selected as one of four U.S. officers enrolled in the Naval Staff College, the U.S. Naval War College’s program for mid-grade international naval officers representing 39 countries from across the globe.
Designated a Naval Aviator in October 2000, Capt. Shashaty completed four operational carrier deployments flying the venerable EA-6B Prowler. During his first tour with the “Scorpions” of VAQ-132, he deployed onboard the USS George Washington (CVN 73) and the USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67).
Following his first shore tour, he transferred to Carrier Air Wing TWO (CVW 2) and served as Air Wing Landing Signal Officer (LSO) and Safety Officer, deploying onboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). For his department head tour, he served as Safety Officer, Maintenance Officer, and Operations Officer, completing a deployment onboard the USS Enterprise (CVN 65) with the “World Famous Rooks” of VAQ-137. On his most recent operational deployment as the Commanding Officer of the “GARUDAS” of VAQ-134, Capt. Shashaty oversaw the transition to the EA-18G Growler and led its inaugural expeditionary deployment to the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility.
Capt. Shashaty’s shore tours include instructor duty at the Fleet Replacement Squadron for the EA-6B (VAQ-129) and as a Joint Maritime Plans Officer assigned to United States Northern Command, where he planned, coordinated and executed joint and interagency support in response to requests for assistance from civil authorities for domestic emergencies. Capt. Shashaty most recently served as the Electronic Warfare Branch Chief in the Deputy Directorate for Global Operations (J-39) on the Joint Chiefs of Staff in Washington, D.C.
His accomplishments include recognition as Commander, Electronic Attack Wing, Pacific’s LSO of the Year for 2005 and Commander, Naval Air Force’s LSO of the Year for 2009. Additionally, the “GARUDAS” were the recipients of the 2017 Battle Efficiency and Arleigh Burke Awards.
Capt. Shashaty assumed command of NAS Pensacola on January 13, 2022.
Capt. Shashaty has accumulated over 2,700 total hours flying the EA-6B, F/A-18E/F and EA-18G with over 400 combat hours in support of Operations Southern Watch, Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, and New Dawn. He has totaled over 500 arrested landings on seven different aircraft carriers and has received multiple individual and campaign awards including the Defense Meritorious Service Medal (2 awards), Meritorious Service Medal, and Strike/Flight Air Medal (3 awards).
Last Updated: 19 May 2022