Major Scott Aquino graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2014 with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science. Following commissioning, he completed Aviation Preflight Indoctrination (API) and primary flight training in Pensacola, Florida, followed by advanced jet training in Kingsville, Texas. He earned his Wings of Gold and was designated a Naval Aviator in 2017.
He then reported to Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron (VMFAT) 501 at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Beaufort, SC. Upon completion of the F-35B Fleet Replacement Pilot syllabus with the “Warlords”, Major Aquino was designated a qualified F-35B pilot and reported to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121 at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan. While assigned to the “Green Knights”, he served as the Squadron Schedules Officer, Flight Officer, Assistant Operations Officer, Airframes Officer, and Quality Assurance Officer. During this tour, he deployed with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) in support of operations throughout the Indo-Pacific region.
Following his tour with the “Green Knights”, Major Aquino attended resident Expeditionary Warfare School (EWS) in Quantico, VA. Upon graduation, he reported to VMFA-542 at MCAS Cherry Point, NC. While assigned to the “Tigers”, he served as the Pilot Training Officer and Logistics Officer, participating in several multinational exercises, including Nordic Response, Red Flag Nellis, Bamboo Eagle, and Atlantic Lightning, before deploying with the squadron to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in support of Operations INHERENT RESOLVE, PROSPERITY GUARDIAN, and SPARTAN SHIELD.
Major Aquino subsequently attended resident Command and Staff College (CSC) at Marine Corps University in Quantico, where he earned a Master of Military Studies degree. While at CSC, he also completed the Joint All-Domain Operations (JADO) Advanced Studies Program.
Following graduation, Major Aquino reported to VMFA-533, where he currently serves as the “Hawks” Executive Officer.
Major Aquino's personal decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.