Lieutenant, U.S. Navy

Lieutenant Justin Otto was born into a Navy family at Naval Air Station (NAS) Beeville, Texas. He spent the majority of his childhood growing up in Martell, Nebraska, near the capital city of Lincoln. In 1990 he graduated as valedictorian from Crete High School where he served as the student body president. Justin participated in pole vaulting for the track team and held the school record in this event for several years. He also lettered in varsity basketball. Justin attended the University of Nebraska - Lincoln, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in construction management. He earned his commission upon graduation via the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps in May 1995.

Justin reported to flight school in July 1995 at NAS Pensacola, Florida. Shortly thereafter he attended primary flight training at NAS Corpus Christi, Texas. After graduating from primary flight training and being selected for jet aircraft, he transferred to NAS Meridian, Mississippi, for intermediate and advanced flight training. He earned his wings of gold after graduating at the top of his class in May 1997. Justin then reported to Strike Fighter Squadron 125 (VFA 125) at NAS Lemoore, California, for training in the F/A-18 Hornet.

In July 1998 Justin reported to the VFA 136 "Knighthawks," where he completed deployments aboard the USS Stennis (CVN 74) and USS Eisenhower (CVN 69). While with the "Knighthawks," Justin served as the schedules officer, line division officer, long-range planning officer, and air-to-ground training officer. His two deployments included operations in the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Southern Watch, and in the Mediterranean Sea where he participated in one of our country's first exercises with the Hungarian Air force.

In September 2001, Justin transferred to the VT 22 Golden Eagles where he served as a T-45 instructor pilot, schedules officer and worked in the standardization department. He instructed in numerous advanced phases leading students to the aircraft carrier for their very first arrested landing.