Lieutenant Colonel Jesse Peppers was born at Holloman AFB, NM. He is a 2005 graduate of The Florida State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Marketing. He commissioned via the Platoon Leaders Course and completed The Basic School in 2006. He conducted Primary Flight Training with Training Squadron Six (VT-6) in Pensacola, Florida and Advanced Strike Training with VT-21 in Kingsville, Texas. In May 2009 LtCol Peppers was designated a Naval Aviator and proceeded to Strike Fighter Squadron 106 (VFA-106) in Virginia Beach, VA as an F/A-18 Hornet Replacement Pilot.
In July 2010, Capt Peppers reported to Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, SC where he served with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 115 (VMFA-115) World Famous “Silver Eagles”. While with the Silver Eagles, Captain Peppers deployed in support of the Western Pacific Unit Deployment Program and to the CENTCOM AOR in support of RFF-1200. While on deployment, Captain Peppers was selected for transition to be a F-35B Instructor at Eglin AFB, FL. During this tour, Captain Peppers held billets as the squadron Ground Safety Officer, NATOPS Officer, Aviation Safety Officer, Director of Safety and Standardization, Power Line Officer, Schedules Officer, and Coffee Mess Officer.
From April 2014 – July 2017, Captain Peppers served with Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501 (VMFAT-501) “Warlords”. His time in Florida was short lived as the squadron relocated to their new home in Beaufort, SC in July 2014. While with VMFAT-501, Captain Peppers held the billets of Airframes Division Officer, Assistant Training Officer, and Aviation Safety Officer. As the most junior Instructor Pilot, Captain Peppers once again had the distinct pleasure of being the Coffee Mess Officer. During the 3 years at VMFAT-501, Captain Peppers helped stand up the squadron in Beaufort, SC and was involved with the creation, implementation, and instruction of the newly created syllabi which further developed tactics and training for the community and all Marine Corps F-35B pilots.
In July 2017, Major Peppers joined Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 (VMFA-121) “Green Knights”. He conducted shipboard deployments aboard the USS Wasp in support of the 31st MEU 18.2 and 19.1 patrols, Balikatan 2019, as well as many bi-lateral and multi-lateral exercises and operations in areas such as Japan, Korea, Singapore, and Alaska to promote strength and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. While with VMFA-121, Major Peppers held the billets of Assistant Operations Officer, Quality Assurance Officer, Detachment Maintenance Officer, and Operations Officer.
In July 2020, Major Peppers received orders back to VMFAT-501 for instructor pilot duties in Beaufort, SC. During this assignment, Major Peppers held the billets of Chief Instructor Pilot and Aircraft Maintenance Officer.
LtCol Peppers has accumulated 2300 flight hours, over 1250 in the F-35B. His personal decorations include the Air Medal, Navy Commendation Medal with two Gold Stars, and Navy Achievement Medal.