Colonel Kevin Hunter graduated from Providence College with a degree in History and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in December 1999. He was designated a Naval Aviator in January 2002.
After receiving his wings, Colonel Hunter reported to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 302 at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, for initial training in the CH-53E. In September 2002, Colonel Hunter reported to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 465 aboard MCAS Miramar, California. He completed three deployments, two in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and one in support of the 31st MEU. He was promoted to Captain in July 2004. In April 2006, Colonel Hunter graduated from Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course and attached to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 165 as the CH-53E detachment Weapons and Tactics Instructor. He subsequently deployed in support of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
In November 2007, Colonel Hunter was assigned to Marine Helicopter Squadron (HMX) 1, aboard Marine Corps Base (MCB) Quantico, Virginia. While at HMX-1, Colonel Hunter was designated an Aircraft Commander in the VH-3D and VH-60N, as well as a Presidential Command Pilot. He was promoted to the rank of Major in April 2010.
Colonel Hunter reported to Marine Corps Command and Staff College, in July 2011, graduating in June 2012. Colonel Hunter then reported to Marine Air Group 16 aboard MCAS Miramar, California and was assigned to HMH-462. He served as the Aircraft Maintenance Officer and Executive Officer, and deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Following this deployment, Colonel Hunter reported to I Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) aboard MCB Camp Pendleton, California, where he served as Aide de Camp to the Commanding General, I MEF.
In June 2015, Colonel Hunter reported to Headquarters Marine Corps, Washington D.C. where he served as the Aviation Training Systems Requirements Officer and Presidential Helicopter Requirements Officer for Headquarters Marine Corps Aviation. He was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in November 2016.
Colonel Hunter served as the Commanding Officer of Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 463 at Marine Corps Base Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, from 1 Dec 2017 until 10 Jan 2020. In August 2021 Colonel Hunter reported to the Army War College. He graduated as a Superior Graduate in June of 2021 with a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies.
In July 2021, Colonel Hunter reported to United States European Command for duty. He served as the Operations Directorate Future Operations Branch Chief and Global Force Management Branch Chief from July 2021 to June 2023. He was promoted to his current rank on 1 September 2022.
Colonel Hunter has over 3,100 mishap-free flight hours and his personal decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal with two gold stars, the Individual Action Air Medal, Air Medal with Strike Numeral “14”, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal, and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with one gold star. Colonel Hunter is authorized to wear the Presidential Service Badge.