Cheryl Scarlato

Cheryl Scarlato | Legislator Bridget Fleming’s Honoree | Branch of Service: Navy

Aviation Machinist Mate Petty Officer First Class (AD1/AW), Cheryl Scarlato, is a true example of a present-day woman veteran who is serving with pride and dedication in the United States Navy.  Her professional growth and accomplishments over her first 8 years of service truly indicates her unwavering, can-do spirit.  Thus shown in her receiving 5 Navy Achievement Medals for her exemplary performance of duties.

Cheryl Scarlato was born and raised in Sag Harbor, NY and graduated Pierson High School in 1999 and obtained a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Delaware in 2004.  She returned and remained in Sag Harbor until joining the Navy and entering boot camp in January 2013 where she was selected as the Recruit Company Commander.  She attended Aviation Mechanical School and graduated “top of her class” earning her a meritorious promotion to the rank of Petty Officer Third Class and the designator Aviation Machinist Mate (AD3).  

Her first duty station was a deployable unit, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 7 (HSC-7 “Dusty Dogs”), assigned to the 5th Fleet which deploys to the Middle East, based out of Norfolk VA.  Cheryl has completed two deployments. One 9 month deployment from July 2013-April 2014 onboard the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and a second 6 month deployment from June-December 2016, onboard the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower and USNS Arctic in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.  She repaired and maintained the helicopters on and below the flight deck getting fully qualified in all aspects of operational readiness and also earned her Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist (AW) pin.

Cheryl volunteered to rapidly deploy when HSC-7 was called upon to support relief operations during Hurricane Harvey in Texas and was part of the relief team in Puerto Rico following Hurricanes Irma and Maria.  During both relief operations, the Dusty Dogs flew over 850 hours to include search and rescue operations, the transportation of 1566 passengers and animals and 966,000 lbs. of cargo and vital supplies.  Her command was awarded 2 Humanitarian Ribbons. 

She also dedicates herself as the command representative for the SAPR (Sexual Assault Prevention and Response) Program with the goal of maintaining awareness, providing training, victim advocacy, and reducing sexual assault/harassment.  Cheryl also became a qualified Victim Advocate to enhance that program.  She is also a qualified Hospice Volunteer of Virginia.  Cheryl is pursuing a Masters of Divinity at Regent University and is potentially seeking a Naval Commission as a Chaplain

Cheryl is an active member of the Sag Harbor VFW.  When she returns home on leave; she is ready to wear her uniform to participate in the color guard of the Memorial Day Parade.  Twice she has dedicated her time for 3 days to set up and participate during the local Harborfest VFW promotion booth.  Also, Cheryl volunteered and represented the post as a delegate at the 2015 VFW National Convention. 

She is presently assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 2 (HSC-2 “Fleet Angels”), continuing her leadership and growth as an aviation mechanic while still continuing her master’s degree.