COLONEL FRANK A. RICHIE - COMMANDING OFFICER - MCAS MIRAMAR

Photo of Colonel Frank A. Richie, Commanding Officer, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar

Colonel Richie was commissioned a Second Lieutenant through the OCC program in December 1986. Upon completion of The Basic School, he reported to Naval Air Station, Pensacola for flight training and was designated a Naval Aviator in October 1989.

After completion of F/A-18 conversion training in November 1990 he was assigned to VMFA (AW)-121. During this tour he deployed to Southwest Asia for Operation Desert Storm. He also participated in a unit deployment to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan. While serving in VMFA (AW)-121 he held the following billets: Schedule Writer, NATOPS Officer, Powerline Officer, and Assistant Aircraft Maintenance Officer.

In August 1993, Colonel Richie reported to Quantico for Amphibious Warfare School. After completion of Amphibious Warfare School, he was assigned to VMFA (AW)-332 in Beaufort, SC. During his tenure at Beaufort he participated in two deployments to Aviano Air Base, Italy for contingency operations over the former Bosnia-Herzegovina. While in VMFA (AW)-332 he served as the Pilot Training Officer, Assistant Aircraft Maintenance Officer, Aircraft Maintenance Officer, and Operations Officer.

Colonel Richie reported to Quantico, VA in July 1998 for Command and Staff College. Upon completion, he reported to Officer Candidates School where he served as a Company Commander. In September 1999, he was assigned to The Basic School where he served as Assistant Operations Officer and Company Commander for Fox, Delta and India Companies.

In July 2002 Colonel Richie reported to Naval Air Station Oceana, Va for F/A-18 refresher training and upon completion, he reported to MAG-11 as the Assistant Operations Officer. While serving in MAG-11 he deployed to Southwest Asia for Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Colonel Richie assumed Command of VMFA (AW)-121 in June 2004. During his tenure as Commanding Officer, the squadron participated in a unit deployment to MCAS Iwakuni, Japan. In January 2006 Colonel Richie was reassigned to serve as the Current Operations Officer for 3d Marine Aircraft Wing.

In July 2006 Colonel Richie attended the National War College. At the completion of his one- year tour at the National War College, he reported to the Office of the Secretary of Defense, Program Analysis and Evaluation, Tactical Aviation Division.

Colonel Richie was promoted to his current rank in January 2008. His personal decorations include: Defense Superior Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (Gold Star in lieu of 2nd award), Air Medals Heroic Achievement with Combat “V” (Gold Star in lieu of 2nd award), Air Medal Meritorious Achievement, Air Medal Strike Flight numeral 11, and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.