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Naval Aviator | Test Pilot | Military Leader | Speaker | President, SPARTA

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Commander Emily “Hawking” Shilling is a distinguished officer in the United States Navy (USN), serving as an Aerospace Engineering Duty Officer in the Washington, D.C., area. With more than 20 years of service, she exemplifies the Navy’s core values of honor, courage, and commitment, bringing technical excellence and operational leadership to the forefront of naval aviation.

CDR Shilling graduated from the University of Colorado in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering Sciences. After joining the Navy, she earned her wings as a Naval Aviator in 2007. Over the course of her operational flying career, she piloted the EA-6B Prowler, EA-18G Growler, and F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. During her deployment aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, she conducted 60 combat missions in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and New Dawn. Her exceptional performance and decisive actions under pressure earned her three Air Medals and the prestigious Order of Daedalians Distinguished Airmanship Award.

Recognized for her leadership and airmanship, CDR Shilling was selected to attend the United States Naval Test Pilot School (USNTPS) at Patuxent River, Maryland. Graduating with honors in 2015, she concurrently earned a Master’s degree in Systems Engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School. As a test pilot with Test and Evaluation Squadron VX-23, she executed high-risk flights to advance the Navy’s most advanced aviation technologies, including cutting-edge electromagnetic launch and recovery systems integral to next-generation aircraft carriers.

Throughout her career, CDR Shilling has driven innovation in combat systems development and acquisition, ensuring readiness for tomorrow’s challenges. As a Military Deputy Program Manager, she has led programs shaping the future of naval aviation, including the Next Generation Air Dominance Fighter, Unmanned Carrier Aviation Mission Control Systems, and advanced mission planning systems. Her commitment to operational effectiveness has directly enhanced the Navy’s ability to project power, and sustain mission.

A testament to the strength of teamwork and shared purpose, CDR Shilling has continuously emphasized the importance of creating environments where all service members contribute their best to mission readiness. Her efforts to cultivate a culture of belonging within naval aviation ensure that diverse perspectives strengthen the team and enhance operational excellence.

As President of SPARTA, CDR Shilling leads a professional development organization supporting more than 2,200 service members. She focuses on building belonging and professional resilience, equipping members with the tools to excel and contribute to the shared mission. She also serves on the Board of Directors for Out & Equal, advocating for policies that enhance workplace efficiency and cohesion.

Civilian Awards and Recognition

Military Awards

2015 – United States Naval Test Pilot School Best Development Test Thesis
1 x Meritorious Service Medal
3 x Air Medal (60 Combat Missions, Afghanistan / Iraq)
2 x Navy Commendation Medal
3 x Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal

Work Experience

2023 – Unmanned Carrier Aviation (PMA-268)
- Deputy Program Manager
- Unmanned Carrier Aviation Mission Control System
2020 – Naval Mission Planning and Strike Systems (PMA-281)
- Deputy Program Manager
- Next-Generation Mission Planning Systems
2017 – Mission Engineering and Design (4.0M NAVAIR)
- Project Manager, Next Generation Air Defense (NGAD)
2015 – Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Two Three (VX-23) –
- EA-6B / EA-18G Test Pilot and Project Officer
2014 – The United States Naval Test Pilot School (USNTPS) – Fixed Wing Student
2012 – Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) – MS Systems Engineering
2009 – Electronic Attack Squadron One Three One (VAQ-131) – Pilot / Tactics Department Head
2008 – Electronic Attack Squadron One Two Nine (VAQ-129) – Student
2007 – United States Navy – Student Naval Aviator
2005 – Ball Aerospace – Associate Engineer, Kepler Space Telescope
2001 – Colorado Space Grant Consortium – Lead Mechanical Engineering
1999 – Walmart – Sales Associate

Education

Bachelor’s Degree – (2005)
- University of Colorado, Boulder
- Aerospace Engineering Sciences
Master’s Degree – (2014)
- Naval Postgraduate School
- Systems Engineering
Certified Naval Test Pilot – (2015)
- United States Naval Test Pilot School
Professional Certification, Model-Based Systems Engineering (2017)
- MIT – Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Flight Experience

HOURS (Total/PIC): 1714.0 / 1567.7
COMBAT (Hours/Missions): 350.9 / 60
ARRESTED LANDINGS: 242 (137 Day / 105 Night)

Platform (Hours):

EA-6B (1072.4)
FA/EA-18E/F/G (158.2)
T-45C (177.8)
T-38C (46.8)
19 Others (261.3)

Qualifications:

EA-6B NATOPS Instructor / Crew Resource Management Facilitator (NOV 2011, NOV 2015)
PWTP Level III EA-6B Mission Commander / Section Lead Pilot (SEP 2011)
Functional Check Flight Crewmember (JUN 2011)
Surface to Air Counter Tactics Instructor (OCT 2011)
Squadron Landing Signal Officer (2011)