Lieutenant Colonel Ferguson graduated in 1995 from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott, AZ with a Bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical Science. In August of 1995 he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps.
He was designated a Naval Aviator in June 1998 and completed his training as an AV-8B Harrier pilot in December 1999. He reported to Marine Attack Squadron 223 (VMA-223) in Cherry Point, NC. While serving with VMA-223 he conducted two shipboard combat deployments. The first was with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM in Afghanistan from September 2001-June 2002. His second deployment from January 2003 - June 2003 was aboard the USS Bataan in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. During his tour with VMA-223 he served as the squadron Administrative Officer, Intelligence Officer and later after completion of Aviation Safety School as the squadron Aviation Safety Officer.
In August 2003 he reported to Training Squadron 7 (VT-7) in NAS Meridian, MS where he served as an instructor pilot in the T-45C Goshawk and CNATRA Standardization Officer until June 2006. In July 2006 he attended the Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) course at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, CA and was designated a Forward Air Controller, after which he was assigned as the Air Officer for the 31st MEU, Okinawa, Japan. While with the 31st MEU he conducted two shipboard deployment cycles and was the lead planner for two large theater exercises.
In August 2007 he returned to operational flying when he joined Marine Attack Squadron 311 (VMA-311) in Yuma, AZ. While with VMA-311 he initially served as the Director of Safety and Standardization and later as the Aircraft Maintenance Officer (AMO). He completed two deployments during his tour with VMA-311, one in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM from Al Asad, AB, Iraq and the second supporting the 31st MEU in Iwakuni, Japan.
Upon completion of his tour with VMA-311 he was assigned to a joint billet as the Air Strike Planner for Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO) in Naples, Italy. While in STRIKFORNATO he was temporarily assigned as a NATO augment to the US 6th Fleet Staff as a Joint Task Force Strike Planner in support of Operation ODYSSEY DAWN aboard the USS Mt Whitney. Here he conducted operational strike planning for the US led mission in Libya. Following his deployment for Operation ODYSSEY DAWN he returned to STRIKFORNATO and continued supporting the Libya campaign as part of NATO’s Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR where he acted as both a Strike Planner and the Ground Effects Cell Deputy Director responsible for all dynamic targeting.
Lieutenant Colonel Ferguson has completed six shipboard deployments, three combat deployments, over 220 combat missions and accumulated over 2,400 flight hours. His personal decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, five Flight/Strike Air Medals, Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with two gold stars in lieu of third award and numerous campaign and service awards.