Major General James B. Wellons grew up in Victoria, Virginia and graduated from the United States Naval Academy in May of 1992, earning his commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps. He completed The Basic School at Quantico, Virginia, graduating in March of 1993.
After completion of flight training at NAS Meridian, Mississippi, in 1995, Major General Wellons received his designation as a naval aviator. He then reported to VMAT-203 in Cherry Point, North Carolina, where he completed AV-8B Harrier training and subsequently reported to VMA-231. During that tour, Major General Wellons deployed with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit to the European theater. He then served as an AV-8B instructor pilot at VMAT-203, followed by another tour at VMA-231 where he deployed with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit to the European theater and Iraq. Additionally, Major General Wellons served a tour as an instructor pilot at Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1) at MCAS Yuma, Arizona.
From 2010-2012, Major General Wellons commanded the first USMC F-35B squadron at Eglin AFB, Florida, and then served as MAWTS-1 Commanding Officer from 2016-2018 at MCAS Yuma, Arizona. His staff assignments include tours as lead planner for U.S. Marine Forces Central Command and Branch Head for Aviation Programs and Weapons at Headquarters Marine Corps. He also served in a joint assignment as the Executive Officer for the Combatant Commander U.S. Southern Command in Doral, Florida. His General Officer duties to date include postings as Assistant Wing Commander for 1st Marine Aircraft Wing in Okinawa, Japan, and Deputy Commander, United States Forces Japan, and Assistant Deputy Commandant for Programs, Programs and Resources Department, HQMC. He assumed command of 3d Marine Aircraft Wing on July 2, 2024.
Major General Wellons is a graduate of the Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course (WTI). He attended the School of Advanced Air and Space Studies (SAASS), the U.S. Naval War College, and the Advanced Management Program (AMP) at Harvard Business School. He holds Master’s Degrees from the Air University and the U.S. Naval War College, where he graduated with highest distinction.
Major General Wellons has held qualifications in the AV-8B, F-35B, F-5E/F, and F-16C/D. His decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and various unit and campaign awards.