3rd Marine Aircraft Wing

 

3rd Marine Aircraft Wing

Unit Leaders
Major Brian R. Grant

Commanding Officer, Marine Aircraft Group Headquarters 39

Major Grant received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Resource Management from the University of Florida and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in May 1999. After graduating from the Basic School, he reported to the Naval Aviation Training Command in Pensacola, FL for flight training. After designation as a Naval Aviator in September 2001, Major Grant was assigned to HMLA-267 as an AH-1W pilot where he served as the squadron's Legal Officer.
In February 2003, he deployed with HMLA-267 in support of OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM (OIF) where he flew combat missions until May 2003. Upon returning from OIF he deployed to Okinawa, Australia, and the Philippines in support of the Unit Deployment Program (UDP).

Major Grant then returned to Camp Pendleton and was promoted to Captain in April 2004. After attending the Naval Post Graduate School’s Naval Air Safety Officer's Course he served as the squadron's Department Head for Safety and Standardization.

In March 2005 Major Grant attended the Expeditionary Warfare Training Group Pacific's Tactical Air Control Party Course and graduated as a Forward Air Controller; he was then assigned to 3rd BN / 7th Marines for a ground combat tour in Ramadi, Iraq from September 2005 - April 2006 in support of OIF.

After returning, Major Grant was again assigned to HMLA-267 where he served as the squadron’s Ordnance Officer and Future Operations Officer. In 2007 he was selected to attend the Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron course and graduated as a Weapons and Tactics Instructor in April.

In June 2007 Major Grant was assigned to HMM-166, and the 11th MEU, where he served as the Air Combat Element's Aviation Fires Planner and AH-1W Training Officer. During his time on the MEU he flew in support of Operation Sea Angel II in Bangladesh and in the Persian Gulf on operations.

In April 2009 Major Grant reported to Fleet Marine Forces Europe for further assignment to the Royal Marine Exchange Program in Yeovilton, England. He was promoted to the rank of Major in December 2009 and served as the Weapons and Tactics Instructor for 847 NAS, Commando Helicopter Force.

During his time in 847 NAS Major Grant deployed to Norway, Bahrain, Kuwait, the Al Faw oil platforms and aboard HMS Ocean in support of Exercise AURIGA. From January - May 2011 he deployed with the squadron to Afghanistan in support of Operation HERRICK.

In June 2012 Major Grant completed his tour with the Royal Marines and was assigned to the Gunfighters where he served as the squadron’s Aircraft Maintenance Officer. From October 2013 to April 2014 he deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) as Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 369’s Executive Officer.

In May 2014, Major Grant was reassigned to Marine Aircraft Group 39 Headquarters Squadron as the Commanding Officer.

Personal decorations include the Bronze Star with "V", Air Medal w/numeral 4, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, and the Humanitarian Service Medal.