Commander Pitta is a native of Oyster Bay, New York. He attended the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, NY, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Engineering in 1995. He was designated a Naval Aviator after undergoing training at VT-3 at Whiting Field, Fl and VT-21 at NAS Kingsville, Tx.
After completing fleet replacement training in the S-3B at VS-41, NAS North Island, CA he reported to the “Maulers” of VS-32 in Jacksonville, Florida and completed deployments aboard USS JOHN F KENNEDY (CV-67) in support of Operation SOUTHERN WATCH and USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN-71), in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. He served as Schedules Officer, Aircraft Division Officer, and Quality Assurance Officer and was named 2001 LSO of the Year by Commander, Sea Control Wing, U.S. Atlantic Fleet.
Upon transfer from VS-32, he transitioned to the F/A-18C at VFA-106 in Nov 2002 and was assigned to the "Gunslingers" of VFA-105 at NAS Oceana, completing a deployment onboard USS HARRY S TRUMAN (CVN-75) in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. At VFA-105 he served as Schedules Officer, NATOPS Officer and Assistant Operations Officer. After two years with the Gunslingers he joined the “Valions” of VFA-15 on deployment in the Persian Gulf aboard the USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN-71) serving as the Administrative, Safety, Maintenance and Operations Officer.
Commander Pitta reported to the Joint Staff, Pentagon in April of 2008. He was assigned to the staff of the Chief Information Officer and served as Chief, Requirements and Operations. He later transferred to the Operations Directorate, J-3, Emergency Action Cell serving as a watch officer in the National Military Command Center.
In May 2009, he deployed to Afghanistan as Deputy Executive Officer to the Commander, U.S. Forces Afghanistan/International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) where he ran the daily operations for the Commanding General’s Staff. Upon return he attended the Joint and Combined Warfighting School in Norfolk and completed Phase II of his joint Professional Military Education.
In December 2011, he assumed his role with the "Pukin' Dogs" of Strike Fighter Squadron ONE FOUR THREE as the Executive Officer. In February 2013, he assumed his current role with the "Pukin' Dogs" of Strike Fighter Squadron ONE FOUR THREE as the Commanding Officer.
Commander Pitta’s decorations include the Bronze Star, three Strike/Flight Air Medals, three Navy Commendation Medals, three Navy Achievement Medals and various campaign and unit citations. He has accumulated 2,800 flight hours and 675 carrier arrested landings.