Colonel Brent S. Willson
Col Brent S. Willson was born in New York City and graduated from Western Carolina University in 1987 with a BS in Business Administration. He earned designation as a Naval Aviator in April 1990. He completed basic training as a CH-46E pilot in August 1990 and was reassigned to HMM-266, where he deployed in support of Operations DESERT SHIELD/DESERT STORM. Subsequently, he deployed with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) Special Operations Capable (SOC).
In August 1992, he joined 3d Battalion, 2d Marines as a Forward Air Controller and deployed as part of the Unit Deployment Program to Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan; and participated in Exercise TEAM SPIRIT in Korea.
In July 1993, he attended Amphibious Warfare School. Subsequently, he was assigned to HMT-204 as a CH-46E Flight Instructor where he served as the Ground Safety Officer and Quality Assurance Officer until June 1996. He was reassigned to HMM-365 as Airframes Division Officer deploying with the 26th MEU (SOC) supporting Operations SILVER WAKE and GUARDIAN RETRIEVAL as well as the evacuation of the US Embassy in Tirana, Albania. HMM-365 was awarded the Alfred Cunningham award for Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron of the Year in 1997. Col Willson was reassigned as the Aircraft Maintenance Officer and graduated from Weapons and Tactics Course 1-98. As the Operations Officer, he supported UNITAS 98 in Vieques, Puerto Rico.
In September 1998, he was assigned as the ACE Tactics Officer as part of 26th MEU (SOC). While deployed, he led planning and execution of numerous missions in support of Operations NOBLE ANVIL, ALLIED HARBOR, SHINING HOPE, and JOINT ENDEAVOR during the Kosovo Campaign. HMM-365 was awarded the Commandants Trophy for Squadron of the Year for 1999.
In July 1999 he reported to Marine Corps Command and Staff College where he earned Masters of Military Science. In June 2000, he reported to Headquarters Marine Corps, Department of Aviation, Aviation Manpower Support Branch as the Tilt-Rotor and Helicopter manpower analyst. In July 2003 he was reassigned to 3D Marine Aircraft Wing as the G-3 Future Operations Officer where he co-developed and coordinated Exercise DESERT TALON.
Col Willson assumed command of HMM-163 in April 2006 and deployed as an ACE with 13th MEU. In May 2007, 13th MEU deployed ashore in support of Operations IRAQI FREEDOM 06-08.1 and FARDH AL QANOON.