Colonel Blair graduated from the University of Kansas in 1991 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Journalism. He was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps through the Platoon Leaders Course and reported to The Basic School in Quantico, VA for initial officer training in 1992.
Upon graduation from The Basic School, Second Lieutenant Blair reported to NAS Pensacola, FL for flight training and was designated a Naval Aviator in April 1994. He then reported to HMT-204 at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River, NC for initial training in the CH-46E helicopter.
In December 1994 First Lieutenant Blair reported to HMM-163, MAG-16 at MCAS Tustin, CA. While assigned to HMM-163 he served as Embarkation Officer, Pilot Training Officer, Flight Officer and Assistant Operations Officer. He was promoted during the period and deployed with the 13th and 15th Marine Expeditionary Units (MEU) aboard the USS Tarawa and USS Essex. During these deployments he supported Operation DESERT STRIKE and Operation VIGILANT SENTINEL.
In July 1999 Captain Blair reported to Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, MCAS Iwakuni, Japan. During the three year tour he served as the NATOPS Officer, Maintenance Officer, and Officer in Charge of the MCAS Search and Rescue flight division.
In September 2002 Major Blair returned to HMM-163, MCAS Miramar, CA where he served as the Assistant Maintenance Officer and Maintenance Officer. He deployed with the 13th MEU, Expeditionary Strike Group One (ESG-1) aboard the USS Peleliu. During the deployment he flew missions in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM and Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.
Upon return from deployment Major Blair transferred to HMM-165, MCAS Miramar, CA in 2004. He deployed as the squadron Maintenance Officer with the 15th MEU, ESG-5, aboard the USS Bonhomme Richard. During the deployment he flew missions in support of Operation UNIFIED ASSISTANCE and Operation IRAQI FREEDOM.
In August 2005 Major Blair was assigned as a Fellow to International Business Machines (IBM) in Fairfax, VA as part of the Commandant’s National Fellowship program. Following the one year assignment he reported to the Pentagon, HQMC Aviation where he served as the rotary-wing and tilt-rotor occupational field manager.
Lieutenant Colonel Blair reported to MAG-39, MCAS Camp Pendleton, CA in 2009. He assumed command of HMM-268 in April 2010 and deployed as the Aviation Combat Element (ACE) of the 11th MEU aboard the USS Makin Island. The squadron was selected as the Marine Corps Aviation Association’s Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron of the Year 2010, and also won the Chief of Naval Operations Safety Award.
In 2012 Lieutenant Colonel Blair attended the Naval War College in Newport, RI, earning a Master’s Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies. He then reported to US NORTHERN Command in Colorado Springs in July 2013 where he served in the J-5 Directorate as Division Chief for Theater Strategy and Campaign Plans.
Colonel Blair has accumulated more than 4,100 flight hours in Naval aircraft. His personal decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with one gold star, Air Medal with strike/flight numeral one, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with 3 gold stars, and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.