How to use shuttles?

[FoeHammer]

im only a commander but I have a shuttlecraft can you summon them like fighters to help you in combat?

[Jaq]

You're probably referring to the free shuttle you receive for certain missions that you pilot in place of your starship. Those missions will automatically switch you to your shuttle when you start them, but you can also choose to take your shuttle into normal missions for laughs. There's a "Switch Starship" button in the lower left of your Starship status page that you can select it from.

In the less likely event that you're talking about a shuttle hangar pet, you need a Starship with a hangar slot to equip them. Few if any low level starships have them. They're not very effective combat pets on the starships that do have them, so don't go crazy trying to acquire one.

[ImperatorPavel]

@Somperson22, the JHAS from the Phoenix Prize Pack will unlock the JHAS frigate pets. It's super rare to actually get an ultra rare token, but it's an option.

And carriers can work decently (despite ♥♥♥♥♥♥ AI) if you want to fly them. Just don't depend on them for damage.