A native of
Hudson, Wisconsin, Jason Naidyhorski graduated from the
University of Wisconsin-Madison and entered the Navy through its
Reserve Officers' Training Corps. After completing his training as an
F/A-18 Hornet pilot, Naidyhorski was assigned to
VFA-195 and stationed at
Naval Air Facility Atsugi in
Japan, where he was attached to
Carrier Air Wing Five and
Carrier Strike Group 5. Later, he was deployed for
Operation Southern Watch and the
Iraq War aboard the
USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63). Afterward, Naidyhorski was assigned to
VFA-106 as an instructor pilot and a demonstration pilot. He also attended the
Naval War College. Following his transfer to reserve status, Naidyhorski was deployed to serve in the
War in Afghanistan. His other tours have included being Reserve Chief of Staff with the
United States Fleet Forces Command and time with
Joint Force Command Norfolk of
NATO. Among the decorations Naidyhorski has received have been the
Legion of Merit, the
Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the
Meritorious Service Medal and the
Air Medal with
Combat "V". ==References==