1st Lt. Austin Aitro 2016 Promoted to Captain

Following a nine-month learning course, 1st Lt. Austin Aitro, Class of 2016, completed his initial pilot qualification in the F-16 last December and has been promoted to Captain as of April 18.

With seven other classmates, Capt. Aitro learned the fundamentals of Air-to-Air and Air-to-Surface tactics. They were trained by the 182nd Fighter Squadron Texas Air National Guard “Lone Star Gunfighters,” some of the most experienced pilots in the F-16 community.  

Capt. Aitro is now stationed in Aviano, Italy, where he will train and fight alongside our NATO allies. “NNG Aitro” will be a wingman in the world famous and highly respected Triple Nickel - 555th Fighter Squadron.  

His parents, Fred and Vicki, said they were extremely grateful that the whole family including his sister Samantha Aitro, Hamden Hall Class of 2021; his grandfather, Anthony Aitro, and his grandmother, Marie Coleman, were able to attend the graduation from this prestigious program.