A native of Jacksonville, Florida, Commander Cornett graduated from the University of Florida in 2005, earning a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation. CDR Cornett was commissioned through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps Program and reported to NAS Pensacola, FL for flight training in May 2005. He earned his Naval Aviator Wings in July 2007 from VT-21 in Kingsville, Texas. In August 2007, CDR Cornett reported to the VFA 106 “Gladiators” for initial fleet training in F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet.
 
CDR Cornett began his operational flying in June 2008 with the “Eagles” of VFA 115.  While an “Eagle”, he made two deployments aboard USS RONALD REAGAN (CVN 76), participating Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. In December of 2009, he executed a homeport change to Atsugi, Japan with VFA 115 where he made two WESTPAC deployments with CVW 5 aboard the USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN-73).

In October 2011, CDR Cornett reported to the Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN) for instruction in the Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor course.  In December 2011 he graduated TOPGUN as part of class 01-12 and was designated as an SFTI.  Following graduation, CDR Cornett reported to TOPGUN as an instructor where he served as the AIM-120 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) Subject Matter Expert.

CDR Cornett returned to the fleet as Training Officer in VFA 25, the “Fist of the Fleet”.  While with the “Fisties”, he was responsible for pilot tactical training, readiness, and instruction under the Strike Fighter Weapons and Tactics (SFWT) program and completed multiple detachments in preparation for the squadron’s upcoming deployment.

Following his Training Officer tour, CDR Cornett reported to the VFA 192 “Golden Dragons”.  As a Department Head with the “Golden Dragons”, CDR Cornett completed one deployment aboard the USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73) around South America and two WESTPAC deployments aboard the USS CARL VINSON (CVN 70).

In April 2018 CDR Cornett reported to USNORTHCOM in Colorado Springs, CO where he served as an action officer, J-36, Domestic Operations Division. He was selected for squadron command in March 2018 and reported to VFA 113 as Executive Officer and assumed command in May 2022.

CDR Cornett has accumulated over 2,800 flight hours and 600 carrier arrested landings. His awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Strike/Flight Air Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (3 awards), and Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal and various service awards and ribbons.
 

Last Updated: 25 August 2022