Lieutenant Colonel Tomlinson graduated from the United Stated Naval Academy in 1997 and received a Bachelor of Science degree in General Engineering. He was commissioned a Second Lieutenant and reported to The Basic School in Quantico, Virginia for initial officer training. First Lieutenant Tomlinson was designated a Naval Aviator in September 2000 and reported to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 101 for F/A-18 training at MCAS Miramar.
In February 2002, Captain Tomlinson reported to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 232. During this tour he served as Embarkation Officer, Information Systems Officer and Airframes Division Officer. He deployed to Al Jaber Air Base, Kuwait from January to May 2003 in support of Operations SOUTHERN WATCH and IRAQI FREEDOM. He earned his Section Lead and Air Combat Tactics Instructor designations.
In February 2004, Captain Tomlinson was assigned to 3d Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion and served as a Provisional Rifle Platoon Commander. He
deployed to Al Asad Air Base, Iraq from February to September 2004 in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM.
Captain Tomlinson returned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 232 in September 2004. During this tour he served as the Airframes Division Officer, Assistant Operations Officer and Pilot Training Officer. He earned his Division Lead, Low Altitude Tactics Instructor, Mission Commander and Weapons and Tactics Instructor designations. He deployed from May to
November 2005 to the Western Pacific and Middle East aboard the USS NIMITZ (CVN-68) and supported Operation IRAQI FREEDOM.
In August 2006, Captain Tomlinson completed the Expeditionary Warfare Training Group, Atlantic Tactical Air Control Party Course. In September 2006, Captain Tomlinson reported to 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company on Camp Hansen in Okinawa, Japan. He deployed to Ramadi, Iraq from March to October 2007 and supported Army Task Force 1-9 Infantry in the Al Anbar
Province. He served as a Supporting Arms Liaison Team Leader and Fires and Effects Officer.
In January 2008, Major Tomlinson returned to MCAS Miramar and joined Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 121. He served as the Pilot
Training Officer, Assistant Operations Officer, Quality Assurance Officer, Assistant Aircraft Maintenance Officer, Logistics Officer and Aircraft Maintenance Officer. He attended TOPGUN and was designated as a Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor. Additionally, he earned his Forward Air Controller (Airborne) and Tactical Air Coordinator (Airborne) qualifications
as well as his Flight Leadership Standardization Evaluator designation. During this tour he completed two Western Pacific deployments to MCAS Iwakuni in support of the Unit Deployment Program from October 2008 to March 2009 and March to September 2010.
Major Tomlinson received orders to Fort Leavenworth, Kansas to attend Army Command and General Staff College from June 2011 to June 2012. While
completing resident professional military education, he also earned his Master of Business Administration degree from Webster University.
In July 2012, Major Tomlinson accepted orders MCAS Iwakuni, Japan. During this tour he served as the Marine Aviation Training Systems Site
Iwakuni Officer in Charge and the Marine Aircraft Group 12 Weapons and Tactics Instructor and Special Access Program Control Officer.
Lieutenant Colonel Tomlinson returned to MCAS Miramar in January 2015 and reported for duty as the Marine Aircraft Group 11 Personnel Support
Detachment Commanding Officer, which is his current assignment. Lieutenant Colonel Tomlinson is slated for Command of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron
323.
Lieutenant Colonel Tomlinson's personal awards include the Air Medal with Strike/Flight numeral 4, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal
with a Gold Star, the Army Commendation Medal and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with two Gold Stars and a Combat "V". He has flown over
2100 hours in the F/A-18.