CDR Joseph Cuschieri was born and raised in Boca Raton, Florida.  He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2009 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Systems Engineering and has a Masters in Aeronautics with a specialization in Aviation/Aerospace Safety Systems from Embry Riddle University.  He is an aviator qualified in the MH-60R Seahawk helicopter and the C-12F Huron.


In 2012 he joined the “Blue Hawks” of Helicopter Maritime Strike (HSM) Squadron 78 with deployments on the USS Pinckney (DDG 91) and the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) Carrier Strike Group for 7^th Fleet operations. 


CDR Cuschieri then reported to Commander Fleet Activities Okinawa in 2015 to fly the UC-12F.  His next assignment was to the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) in 2018 to serve as an Assistant Air Operations Officer and as an Officer of the Deck underway for an around the world cruise. 


For his Department Head tour, he went in 2020 to the forward deployed “Saberhawks” of HSM-77, serving as a safety officer, detachment officer in charge, and maintenance officer, with deployments in the 5^th and 7^th areas of responsibility onboard the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) and USS Shiloh (CG 67). 


In January 2023 he reported to the Pentagon to work in the Counter Narcotics and Stabilization Policy office for the Office of the Secretary of Defense coordinating regional policies and data collaboration efforts. 
 
CDR Cuschieri joined FACSFAC SD in December 2024. 
 
His personal awards and accolades include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (3), Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2), and various service and campaign awards.
 

Last Updated: 25 February 2025