Major Christopher T. Conklin is a native of Redding, CA. He commissioned in the United States Marine Corps on June 21, 2010 upon graduating from the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, NY with a Bachelor’s degree in Marine Engineering. Upon completion of The Basic School, he reported to NAS Pensacola, Florida for flight training and earned his wings as a Naval Aviator on February 7, 2014.
Upon successful completion of initial training in the MV-22B at Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 204 in New River, North Carolina, Major Conklin was then assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 165 at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California in August of 2014. While with the “White Knights”, he completed three deployments to Al Jaber Airbase, Kuwait in support of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Crisis Response – Central Command and Operation Inherent Resolve from March 2015 to March 2019. His collateral billet assignments during this tour included: Schedule Writer, Future Operations Officer, Aviation Safety Officer, and Director of Safety and Standardization.
In July 2020, Major Conklin reported to 3d, Battalion, 4th Marines to serve as a Forward Air Controller for the Battalion Helicopter Company. While assigned to “Darkside” Maj Conklin deployed aboard the USS AMERICA in support of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit.
In August 2021, Major Conklin transferred to Marine Helicopter Squadron One (HMX-1) in Quantico, VA, for Presidential Support Duty. While at HMX-1, Major Conklin served as the Aviation Safety Officer, Quality Assurance Officer, Aircraft Maintenance Officer, and White House Tiltrotor Aircraft Commander.
In July of 2024, Major Conklin reported to VMM-163 and assumed the role as the Director of Safety and Standardization within the Department of Safety, Standardization, and NATOPS before assuming his role as the Executive Officer of VMM-163 in January of 2025.
Major Conklin has flown more than 1,500 hours in tactical aircraft, including over 200 combat flight hours. His personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Strike/Flight Air Medal with numeral “3”, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (gold star in lieu of third award), and the Operation Inherent Resolve Medal (2 bronze stars). He is married and has three children.