Biography

Executive Officer, Marine Light Attack Helicopter Training Squadron 303
Major Michael G. Stickel

Major Michael G. Stickel grew up in Selah, Washington. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in September of 2006. Upon completion of Recruit Training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, he attended Infantry Training Battalion, School of Infantry West, where he earned the primary MOS of 0311, Rifleman.

In March of 2007, Major Stickel reported to 1st Battalion, 8th Marines, Charlie Company, at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. During this tour of duty, he served as Rifleman and Team Leader, deploying twice to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was meritoriously promoted to the rank of Sergeant before extending for a third deployment with 1st Battalion, 8th Marines, Charlie Company, where he served as a Squad Leader in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

In June of 2011, Major Stickel received an Honorable Discharge from the Marine Corps and began taking courses at Central Washington University in Ellensburg, Washington, before graduating in December of 2015 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science. During this time, he attended Officer Candidate School in Quantico, Virginia, as part of the Platoon Leaders Course and received his commission shortly after graduation in April of 2016.

In August of 2016, Major Stickel reported to The Basic School (TBS) in Quantico, Virginia. Upon completing TBS in March of 2017, Major Stickel reported to MATSG-21 in Pensacola, Florida, for flight training. In October of 2018, Major Stickel completed flight school and was designated a Naval Aviator before checking into Marine Light Attack Helicopter Training Squadron 303 in January of 2019 for introductory training in the AH-1Z. Upon completing the Replacement Aircrew syllabus for the AH-1Z, he reported to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 267, where he was assigned to Tool Room and CC/Hazmat as the Officer in Charge. In June of 2020, Major Stickel was promoted to Captain.

In November of 2020, Major Stickel deployed to Okinawa, attached to VMM-262 (REIN), in support of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit 21.1 Patrol aboard the USS New Orleans. While attached to VMM-262 (REIN), Major Stickel assumed the duties of Officer-in-Charge of both the Administration and Intelligence shops. Upon completion of the 31st MEU and return to Camp Pendleton, Major Stickel reported to DOSS to serve as the Aviation Safety Officer, completing the Aviation Safety Officer Course in March of 2022. Later that year, Major Stickel deployed a second time to Okinawa in support of UDP 23.1.

In June of 2023, Major Stickel reported to HMLAT-303 to serve as an AH-1Z Instructor Pilot. During this time, Major Stickel served as the S-3 Ground Training Officer as well as the AH-1Z Pilot Training Officer.

Major Stickel’s personal decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, and Good Conduct Medal. He currently holds the designations of Weapons Training Officer, Assistant NATOPS Officer, and Fleet Replacement Squadron Instructor for the AH-1Z.