LCDR Jacob R. Stanko
OFFICER IN CHARGE, USS ROBERT E. SIMANEK (ESB 7) GOLD CREW
28 August 2025
Lieutenant Commander (LCDR) Jacob Stanko is a native of Erie, Pennsylvania. He received his commission in 2015 through NROTC at Pennsylvania State University with a degree in Industrial Engineering and minor in Military Science.
LCDR Stanko was designated an Unrestricted Naval Aviator in August of 2017. He completed the MH-60S fleet replacement pilot training and was assigned to the “Nightdippers” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) Five, where he deployed on the USS
Abraham Lincoln (CVN72) and the USNS
Arctic (T-AOE-8).
Stanko’s first shore assignment was with the “Eightballers” of Helicopter Training Squadron (HT) Eight in Milton, Florida, as an instructor pilot. He also served as the Training Wing Five (TW-5) Standardization Officer in the new TH-73A Thrasher.
LCDR Stanko’s personal decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and various other service and unit awards.