Commander Justin Pickworth is a native of Detroit, Michigan.  In 2009, CDR Pickworth earned a commission into the U.S. Navy and graduated from the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering.  Upon his commissioning, CDR Pickworth reported to NAS Pensacola, FL for flight training and earned his Naval Aviator Wings of Gold in April 2011.  CDR Pickworth reported to the “Merlins” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 3 in San Diego, CA, for initial training as a MH-60S Knighthawk pilot.

CDR Pickworth began his operational flying in February 2012 with the “Golden Falcons” of HELICOPTER SEA COMBAT SQUADRON TWELVE (HSC-12).  He completed an around-the-world deployment from San Diego aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) then assisted the Golden Falcons move to Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi, Japan where he completed three additional deployments; two aboard USS George Washington (CVN-73) and one aboard USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19).  

In February 2015, CDR Pickworth returned to the CONUS and reported to AIR TEST AND EVALUATION SQUADRON ONE (VX-1) at NAS Patuxent River, MD.  CDR Pickworth managed test projects for five TMS aircraft as the Quality Assurance Officer and led a team accepting the U.S. Navy’s first MQ-8C Fire Scout helicopter as the program’s Operational Test Director.  

In February 2018, CDR Pickworth reported to USS Arlington (LPD-24) in Norfolk, VA.  CDR Pickworth deployed to SIXTH FLEET serving as the Fuels Officer and managed all MEU-22 air operations as the Air Boss while aboard USS Arlington.

CDR Pickworth reported to the “Dragon Whales” of HELICOPTER SEA COMBAT SQUADRON TWO EIGHT (HSC-28) in July 2020 as a Department Head.  While with the Dragon Whales, deploying to Naples, Italy and serving aboard USS Mount Whitney (LCC-20) he led Detachment ONE as Officer in Charge (OIC).  During his time at HSC-28 he also served as Mine Warfare Officer, Tactics Officer, NASA Detachment OIC, and Operations Officer.

In November 2022, CDR Pickworth reported to NAS Whidbey Island as the Search and Rescue (SAR) Detachment OIC.  He has prepared the unit to stand up as an independent squadron following 65 years of SAR operations and is currently serving as the Executive Officer at Station SAR Whidbey.

Commander Pickworth has accumulated over 2,200 flight hours and is authorized to wear the Air Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (2), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (3), and various other unit, campaign and service medals.
 

Last Updated: 19 May 2025