Major Champagne is from Jamul, CA and commissioned in the United States Marine Corps on March 31, 2011, upon
graduating from San Diego State University with a B.S. in Information Systems through the Platoon Leaders Class. After
completing The Basic School (BOC 5-11), he reported to NAS Pensacola, FL for Aviation Preflight Indoctrination. He
completed flight training with VT-28, HT-28, and VT-35, earning his Naval Aviator Wings on December 9, 2013.
Upon completing the MV-22B Fleet Replacement Squadron, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Training Squadron-204, Major
Champagne was assigned to the "White Knights" of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 165 at MCAS Miramar in June
2014. While assigned to VMM-165, Major Champagne served as the Adjutant / Legal Officer, Logistics Officer, Aviation
Safety Officer, Quality Assurance Officer, and Pilot Training Officer. During this period, he completed three deployments
to USCENTCOM in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE as part of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task
Force - Crisis Response - Central Command. While at the White Knights, Major Champagne completed Expeditionary
Warfare School (EWSDEP), the Naval School of Aviation Safety (ASO), and the Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI)
Course.
In July 2019, Major Champagne transferred to Marine Helicopter Squadron One (HMX-1) in Quantico, VA, for
Presidential Support Duty. While at HMX-1, Major Champagne served as a Schedules Writer, White House Liaison
Officer (WHLO), MV-22 Pilot Training Officer / Flight Officer, and White House Tiltrotor Aircraft Commander. While at
HMX-1, he completed Marine Corps Command and Staff College Distance Education Program (CSCDEP). During this
time, Major Champagne also completed an M.S. in Aeronautics (Aviation Safety Systems) from Embry-Riddle
Aeronautical University.
In August 2022, Major Champagne reported to Marine Corps University in Quantico, VA to attend Marine Corps
Command and Staff College and graduated with an M.A. in Military Studies in June 2023.
Major Champagne reported to the “Knightriders” of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron-164 at Camp Pendleton, CA in
July 2023 to serve as the Operations Officer. As OPSO, he deployed with the reinforced squadron to Djibouti, Africa in
support of Aviation Combat Element - Crisis Response - Africa 24.2. Major Champagne served as the Executive Officer
of VMM-164 from December 2024 to May 2026 before reporting to Headquarters Squadron 39 as the Personnel Support
Division (PSD) CO.
Major Champagne's awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (gold star in lieu of second award), Air Medal
(Strike/Flight) numeral “4”, and the Navy Commendation Medal (gold star in lieu of second award). Major Champagne has
accumulated over 2,400 mishap-free flight hours, primarily in the MV-22B Osprey.