Following a nine-month learning course, 1st Lt. Austin Aitro, Class of 2016, completed his initial pilot qualification in the F-16 last December and has been promoted to Captain as of April 18.
With seven other classmates, Capt. Aitro learned the fundamentals of Air-to-Air and Air-to-Surface tactics. They were trained by the 182nd Fighter Squadron Texas Air National Guard “Lone Star Gunfighters,” some of the most experienced pilots in the F-16 community.
Capt. Aitro is now stationed in Aviano, Italy, where he will train and fight alongside our NATO allies. “NNG Aitro” will be a wingman in the world famous and highly respected Triple Nickel - 555th Fighter Squadron.
His parents, Fred and Vicki, said they were extremely grateful that the whole family including his sister Samantha Aitro, Hamden Hall Class of 2021; his grandfather, Anthony Aitro, and his grandmother, Marie Coleman, were able to attend the graduation from this prestigious program.
Hamden Hall Country Day School, located less than two miles from Yale University, is one of the best private schools in Connecticut to enroll elementary, middle, and high school students. Our nurturing and inclusive community provides a dynamic learning environment that promotes academic excellence by understanding each child and fostering their individual growth.