VT-6 Leadership

Executive Officer

Commander Jameson "Chili" McCort is a native of Pensacola, Florida and graduated from Auburn University in 2007 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics. He was designated a Naval Aviator in May 2009 at NAS Whiting Field and completed initial fleet replacement training flying the SH-60B Seahawk at Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light FOUR ZERO (HSL-40) in Mayport, FL. He holds an Executive Master's degree in Business Administration from the Naval Postgraduate School.

After completing FRS training, Lieutenant Junior Grade McCort reported to his first sea tour with the "Vipers" of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light FOUR EIGHT (HSL-48) in March 2010. He deployed aboard USS BAINBRIDGE (DDG 96) in 2011 in support of Counter Piracy operations with NATO in the Gulf of Aden. Additionally, he deployed twice aboard USS HUE CITY (CG 66) with the USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER Carrier Strike Group in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM in 2012 and 2013. During his tenure with the Vipers, he served as Line Division Officer, Det Operations Officer, and Quality Assurance Officer.

Lieutenant McCort then reported for instructor duty with the "Shooters" of Training Squadron SIX (VT-6), flying the T-6B Texan II in October 2013. He served as a Primary Flight Instructor, teaching the next generation of Naval Aviators to earn the coveted "Wings of Gold". While a "Shooter" he served as Schedules Quality Assurance, Senior Watch Officer, Class Advisor, and Assistant Operations Officer until October 2016.

Following his tour at VT-6, Lieutenant McCort was assigned to USS MESA VERDE (LPD 19) as the Air Officer (AIR BOSS). He qualified as Tactical Action Officer (TAO) during several pre-deployment work ups, multi-ship exercises, and deployed with the USS BATAAN Expeditionary Strike Group and 24 Marine Expeditionary Unit to SIXTH FLEET in 2017 in support of Operation ODYESSY RESOLVE.

Lieutenant Commander McCort completed MH-60R transition training in August 2018, at Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron FOUR ONE (HSM-41) and joined the "Easyrider" Ohana of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron THREE SEVEN (HSM-37). He served as the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of Detachment Two aboard USS MICHAEL MURPHY (DDG 112) in support of the 4th Fleet Operations, participating in several multi-national exercises and counter-drug operations. While an Easyrider, he served as the Operations Officer, and Maintenance Officer of the Navy's largest MH-60R squadron.

From December 2020 to January 2023, Commander McCort was assigned to Special Operations Command Pacific (SOCPAC) as the Joint Special Operations Air Officer. While assigned, he served as Deputy Director of Air Operations (SOJ36), Liaison Officer to US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), and the Special Operations Liaison Element (SOLE) Director for the 613th Air Operations Center (AOC) working directly with Special Operations and Pacific Air Forces air assets.

Commander McCort has accumulated over 2,600 hours in the MH-60R, SH-60B, T-6B, and other Naval, Marine, and Air Force aircraft. His personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (2), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (4).