Biography

Executive Officer, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 164
Major Jonathan A. Champagne

Major Champagne grew up in 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. Upon 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 from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

In August 2022, Major Champagne reported to Resident Marine Corps Command and Staff College in Quantico, VA 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 currently serves as the Executive Officer of VMM-164.

Major Champagne’s awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (gold star in lieu of second award), Air Medal (Strike/Flight) numeral “3”, and the Navy Commendation Medal. Major Champagne has accumulated over 2,100 mishap-free flight hours, primarily in the MV-22B Osprey. He is married to Aviane Champagne of Durango, CO, and has three children: Hudson, Kendall, and Cheyanne.