Lieutenant Colonel Dave Jach graduated from the US Naval Academy and was commissioned in May 2008. He completed The Basic School in January 2009 and was designated a Naval Aviator in April 2011.
He reported to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMHT) 302 aboard Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina for training on the CH-53E. In October 2011, he reported to “Ironhorse,” Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 461. He was promoted to Captain in July 2012. He completed a deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Subsequently, he deployed with the Squadron CH-53E Detachment to VMM-365 (REIN) with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit.
Upon return from deployment, then Captain Jach graduated from Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) Course 1-16 and served as the Weapons and Tactics Instructor, Pilot Training Officer and Assistant Operations Officer at HMH-461.
In June 2017, after graduating the TACP Course at EWTGLANT, he reported to 8th Marine Regiment, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, and served as Regimental Assistant Air Officer. December 2017, he deployed to Afghanistan with Task Force Southwest 18.1 in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel / Resolute Support, serving as Task Force Assistant Air Officer and Joint Tactical Air Controller (JTAC). He was promoted to Major in March 2019.
In April 2019, then Major Jach reported to Marine Helicopter Squadron One (HMX-1), Quantico, Virginia. While at HMX-1 he served in various billets, including the Executive Flight Detachment Airframes Division Officer, Flight Line Officer and Quality Assurance Officer. He was designated a Presidential Command Pilot in both the VH-60N and VH-3D.
After completing CH-53E Refresher Training at HMHT-302, he reported to “Ugly Angels,” VMM-362 aboard MCAS Miramar, in August 2023, where he served as Executive Officer.
In March 2024, he reported to “Flying Tigers,” HMH-361 and subsequently deployed to Okinawa, Japan with the 31st MEU as part of the UDP 24.2 rotation. He attached to “The Flying Tigers” of VMM-262 (REIN) where he served as CH-53E Detachment OIC and Aviation Combat Element (ACE) Executive Officer.
In September 2024, he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and upon return from deployment, he transferred to MAG-16 Headquarters and served as Headquarters / Personnel Support Division Officer in Charge and MAG-16 Executive Officer. In May 2025, he augmented Marine Rotational Force – Darwin (MRF-D), where he served as the MRF-D MAGTF Executive Officer during Exercise Kamandag-9.
He was selected by the FY25 Command Screening Board to assume command of the “Heavy Haulers” of Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462 in January of 2026.
He is a graduate of the US Marine Corps Expeditionary Warfare School, Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course, Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) Course and the US Air Force Command and Staff College.
Lieutenant Colonel Jach has over 2,000 mishap-free flight hours in various rotary-wing aircraft. His personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal and Air Medal with Strike/Flight Device. He has served with high-performing units and proudly wears numerous Unit Commendation awards. Lieutenant Colonel Jach is authorized to the wear the Presidential Service Badge.