Col. Todd J. Oneto
Todd J. Oneto is a native of Wallingford, Connecticut and graduated high school in 1981. Obtaining an Associate Degree in Electrical Engineering, he was employed by Novametrix Medical Systems from 1983 to 1991 as an electronics technician and a production/test line manager. Earning a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology from Central Connecticut State University, he was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in December 1990.
Completing The Basic School in October 1991, 2ndLt Oneto reported to Pensacola, Florida and was designated Naval Aviator 22,417 in June 1993. He chose the CH-46E helicopter and joined HMM-165 in Okinawa in February 1994 and also conducted two 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit/Special Operations Capable (MEU/SOC) deployments with HMM-262.
Captain Oneto attended the Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey California from 1997-1999 where he earned a Master’s Degree in Operations Research. His subsequent payback tour was at Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1) in Yuma, Arizona as the Aviation Operations Analyst from 1999-2002. Additionally, he augmented MCAS Yuma as a station UC-12 Pilot.
Major Oneto rejoined HMM-165 and served once again with the White Knights from July 2002 through May 2006 as the Director of Safety and Standardization, Operations Officer and Executive Officer. He deployed as part of Landing Force West for Operation IRAQI FREEDOM from January-August 2003 and participated in the Task Force 20 rescue mission of Army POW Jessica Lynch. Deploying with the 15th MEU(SOC) from 2004-2005, he took part in Operation UNIFIED ASSISTANCE, conducting Tsunami relief efforts in Indonesia and once again, flew combat operations in Iraq. Upon selection to Lieutenant Colonel, he accepted assignment to HQMC, Programs & Resources from June 2006 until June 2008. While there, he served as the Program Development Officer (or “Prince of the POM”) building the Marine Corps’ Program Objective Memorandum 2010 (POM-10) submission.
Lieutenant Colonel Oneto assumed command of HMM-165 from 17 January 2009 to 4 February 2011. During this period, the White Knights deployed as the Aviation Combat Element (ACE) for the 15th MEU on WestPac 10-1. During deployment, Lieutenant Colonel Oneto served as the Air Component Commander, Task Force Ghazi and Deputy Commander, Task Force South conducting flood relief efforts in both northern and southern Pakistan. During this deployment, the ACE’s Assault Support aircraft provided over five million pounds of supplies and evacuated 9,895 displaced persons, KC-130 detachment delivered another 1.6 million pounds of relief while rescuing over 1,800 personnel, AV-8s supported OEF in Afghanistan and H-1 detachment executed the Visit Board Search & Seizure of the Merchant Vessel Magellan Star. For their efforts, HMM-165 was awarded the 2011 Marine Corps Aviation Association’s Edward C. Dyer Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron of the Year Award and the Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Flatley Award for Aviation Safety.
Following command, Lieutenant Colonel Oneto attended the US Naval War College where he earned a Master of Arts Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies in June 2012. He then served at the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) in Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation (CAPE) and most recently as the Director of the Marine Corps’ Operations Analysis Division (OAD).
Colonel Oneto’s personal decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal (with the numeral 6 and Combat Distinguishing device), Joint Service Commendation Medal and the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (with Gold Star in lieu of 2nd award).