Major John Standard attended the University of Washington, where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Applied Mathematics and commissioned through Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps in March 2014. Following commissioning, Second Lieutenant Standard completed The Basic School and flight school. He was designated a Naval Aviator in September 2018.
After completing AV-8B replacement pilot training in Marine Attack Training Squadron 203 at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point in December 2020, Captain Standard joined the “Tigers” at Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 542. During his initial tour, he served as the squadron’s Logistics Officer, Communications Officer, and Ground Safety Officer. He deployed with VMA-542 on the USS Kearsarge as a part of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) in March 2022. With the 22nd MEU, he participated in six multinational and nine bilateral exercises in the Baltic and Norwegian Seas. After returning in October, the squadron transitioned to the F-35B, and Captain Standard reported to the “Great American Bulldogs” of VMA-223. Captain Standard served as the squadron Current Operations Officer until executing orders in September 2023 to Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501 at MCAS Beaufort for F-35B conversion training.
In July 2024, Major Standard completed F-35B conversion training and was assigned to the “Wake Island Avengers” of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 211 at MCAS Yuma where he is currently serving as the Executive Officer.
Major Standard's personal decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with gold star in lieu of second award. Additionally, he has accumulated over 800 mishap-free flight hours. He is married with one child.