Assistant Wing Commander
Colonel Christopher J. Papaj
Colonel Christopher J. Papaj, USMC was commissioned in the Marine Corps in 1986 after earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from San Diego State University.
Colonel Papaj was designated a Naval Aviator in 1988 and subsequently assigned to Marine Medium Helicopter Training Squadron 301 for operational training in the CH-46E Sea Knight. In April 1989, he was assigned to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 268, MCAS Tustin where he served as the Assistant Pilot Training Officer and NATOPS Officer. During this tour, he deployed with the 11th MEU(SOC)/5th MEB for Operation DESERT SHIELD and DESERT STORM, and the 13th MEU(SOC) for Operation CONTINUED HOPE/UNOSOM II (Somalia).
In June 1993, he was assigned to I MEF, G-7 where he served as the Special Operations Training Group Air Officer and attended the Army's Airborne School at Fort Benning, Georgia where he earned his jump wings.
In September 1996, Colonel Papaj reported to Marine Medium Helicopter to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 163 at MCAS El Toro where he served as the DOSS, Operations Officer, Logistics Officer, and Maintenance Officer and deployed with the 15th MEU(SOC) to the Persian Gulf in support of Operation SOUTHERN WATCH.
In July 1999, Colonel Papaj reported to the Marine Corps University in Quantico, Virginia as a student in the Command and Staff College, where he earned a Masters in Military Studies.
In June 2000, Colonel Papaj reported to Headquarters Marine Corps, Aviation Hallway, Aviation Plans and Policy, where he held the billets of APP-23, Congressional Matters Liaison Officer, and as Aviation's primary Program Working Group member.
In September 2003, Colonel Papaj reported to 3D Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Aircraft Group 16 (MAG 16) and assumed the billet as the Operations Officer. From September 2003 to June 2004, he deployed to Iraq in support of OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM II-1. In June 2004, he returned to MCAS Miramar and served as Commanding Officer MAG 16 Rear. In September, he returned to Iraq, joined MAG 16 forward, and assumed the billet as the Executive Officer.
In June 2006, Colonel Papaj assumed command of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 165. From September 2006 to May 2007, he deployed his squadron with the 15th MEU, as the Aviation Combat Element on the USS Boxer, to participate in Operation IRAQI FREEDOM.
In June 2007 Colonel Papaj reported to the United States Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, where he earned a Masters in Strategic Studies.
In June 2008, Colonel Papaj reported to North American Aerospace Defense (NORAD) and US NORTHERN Command where he served as the Deputy Chief of Staff until June 2010.
In July 2010, Colonel Papaj took command of Marine Aircraft Group 49.
In July 2012, Colonel Papaj reported to 1st MAW.
Colonel Papaj's personal awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star with Gold Star, Meritorious Service Medal with Gold Star, Air Medal with the Numeral 12 Strike Device, Navy Commendation Medal, and the Navy Marine Corps Achievement Medal.