Commanding General
Major General Christopher S. Owens
MajGen Christopher Owens grew up in Oregon and was commissioned in 1982. Earning his “wings of gold” in September 1984, 2ndLt Owens was assigned to HML-367 as an AH-1 pilot, where he served in various billets, deployed with the squadron twice and attended Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course in 1987. He was promoted to captain in November of that year.
In July 1988, Capt Owens reported to 1st Tank Battalion as a forward air controller. He returned to MAG-39 and HMT-303 in August 1989, where he served as AH-1J and AH-1W NATOPS Officer.
In February 1992 Capt Owens rejoined HMLA-367, and served as DOSS, Logistics Officer, and AMO. He deployed with the squadron in 1992, and with HMM-166 (REIN) as part of 15th MEU in 1994, participating in operations in Somalia. He was promoted to Major in September 1994.
Maj Owens attended USMC Command and Staff College in 1995. A distinguished graduate, he was selected to attend the School of Advanced Warfighting (SAW) the following year. Upon graduation from SAW, he joined I MEF, where he was responsible for the development of I MEF’s supporting plan for operations in the Pacific Region.
Promoted in July 1999, LtCol Owens reported to MAG-39, and served as Executive Officer, HMLA-267 and Commanding Officer, HMLA-169. LtCol Owens completed Marine Corps War College in 2003 as a distinguished graduate, and then served as Director of SAW. He was promoted to Colonel in October 2004.
Col Owens assumed command of MAG-29 in July 2005. In January 2007, he deployed with MAG-29 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 06-08. Col Owens relinquished command of MAG-29 in July 2007 and reported to USJFCOM, where he served as a department head, then Chief of Staff for the Joint Concept Development and Experimentation Directorate.
Upon selection for Brigadier General in August of 2008, he was assigned as Chief of Staff, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO.
In July 2010, BGen Owens reported to II Marine Expeditionary Force as Deputy Commanding General and Commanding General, 2d Marine Expeditionary Brigade.
BGen Owens reported to his current assignment as Commanding General, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing in June 2012. His personal decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Strike/Flight Air Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and Navy Achievement Medal. He has accumulated over 4000 flight hours in a variety of type/model/series aircraft.