Lieutenant Colonel William Sauerland is a graduate of The Pennsylvania State University, earning a Bachelors of Science degree in Industrial Engineering and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in August 1994. He completed The Basic School in September 1995, and was assigned to NAS Pensacola, FL for flight training. Sauerland was designated a Naval Aviator in October 1997 and was assigned to HMT-303 at Camp Pendleton, CA for initial training in the AH-1W Super Cobra.

First Lieutenant Sauerlands first fleet assignment was with the Vipers of HMLA-169 where he served in the operations, logistics and maintenance departments. Promoted to the grade of Captain in October 1998, Sauerland deployed with HMM-165(Rein) as part of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit and participated in Operation STABILISE in East Timor. In 2001 he again deployed aboard USS Peleliu, this time with HMM-163(Rein) and the 15th MEU. During this deployment, the squadron participated in the seizing and establishment of Forward Operating Base Camp Rhino during the initial days of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Returning from deployment in March 2002, Captain Sauerland was selected to transition to Strike aviation and was assigned to NAS Kingsville, TX for training.

Completing Strike training in August 2003, Captain Sauerland was assigned to VMAT-203 at Cherry Point, NC, to begin training to fly the AV-8B Harrier. Sauerland was promoted to Major in October 2004 and joined VMA-223 in December 2004.

As a Bulldog, Major Sauerland was assigned to the billet of S-4 and S-6 officer. In May 2005, he assumed the duties of Maintenance Officer and deployed to Al Asad, Iraq in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM 04-06. Upon return from Iraq, Major Sauerland assumed the duties of Operations Officer and Night Systems Instructor. During his time with VMA-223 the squadron surpassed 60,000 mishap-free flight hours a first for a Harrier squadron.

Major Sauerland assumed command of Recruiting Station Montgomery, AL in June 2007. During his tenure, RS Montgomery was twice named a Superior Achiever by the Commandant of the Marine Corps. He relinquished command in June 2009 and was assigned to MAG-13 in Yuma, AZ.

Major Sauerland joined MAG-13 in July, 2009 and was assigned the duties of Group Operations Officer. Major Sauerland then joined VMA-214 in June 2010 as the Executive Officer. He was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in October 2010. Sauerland assumed his present duties as VMA-223 Executive Officer in July 2011 and participated in the squadron deployment to Operation ENDURING FREEDOM 11.2.

Lieutenant Colonel Sauerlands personal decorations include Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with strike numeral 11, Navy Commendation Medal, gold star in lieu of second award, Navy Achievement Medal, Humanitarian Medal and numerous campaign and unit awards. He is a graduate of the Marine Corps non-resident Amphibious Warfare School as well as the US Air Force non-resident Command and Staff College.