Makoto Jacobs graduated from Missouri State University and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps in 2008. After the completion of The Basic School, he attended flight training at NAS Pensacola, Vance AFB, and NAS Whiting Field. He was designated a Naval Aviator on 10 September 2010 and reported to MCAS Pendleton, CA for instruction as a UH-1N pilot at Marine Light Attack Training Squadron 303.
In 2011, First Lieutenant Jacobs reported to the “Gunrunners” of Marine Light Attack Squadron 269 (HMLA-269). Between 2011 and 2017 he deployed four times on three Marine Expeditionary Units (MEU) and one Unit Deployment Program (UDP). He has planned and participated in numerous named operations, theater security cooperation exercises, humanitarian assistance operations, and contingency planning in support of EUCOM, AFRICOM, CENTCOM, and INDOPACOM. While assigned to HMLA-269 Captain Jacobs served in safety, maintenance, and operations billets. He also transitioned to the UH-1Y airframe and attained Weapons and Tactics Instructor, Forward Air Controller (Airborne), Air Mission Commander, and all prerequisite mission essential designations.
In 2017, Captain Jacobs joined the “Nighthawks” of Marine Helicopter Squadron One (HMX-1). There he provided helicopter transportation and contingency support to the President and Vice President of the United States, members of the President’s Cabinet, foreign dignitaries, and Joint Armed Service Chiefs as directed. His additional billets included time in the maintenance department, operations department, and the preponderance operating as a White House Liaison Officer (WHLO). As a WHLO he planned, coordinated, and briefed the White House staff, Secret Service, US Embassies, and supporting agencies on the logistical, operational, and security of presidential helicopter movements. From 2017-2021, while assigned to HMX-1, Major Jacobs spent over 500 days TAD as a pilot and WHLO in support of over 100 CONUS and four OCONUS presidential movements in Belgium, Japan, Korea, and India.
In 2022, Major Jacobs reported to MAG-39 and subsequently to HMLA-775 as the “Coyotes” Operations Officer. Over the course of one year he planned and executed all operations for four CONUS detachments and one SOUTHCOM deployment. During this period he also regained all UH-1Y tactical designation through Weapons and Tactics Instructor. In June 2023, Major Jacobs transferred to the “Gunfighters” of HMLA-369 and assumed the double billets of the S-4 and Director of Safety & Standardization for SLTE 5-23 and their UDP deployment workup to Okinawa. Selected as the HMLA Detachment OIC, Major Jacobs then led 100+ Marines and 7 aircraft in INDOPACOM for the 31st MEU 24-1 deployment.
In 2024, Lieutenant Colonel Jacobs reported to MAG-29 and was proud to serve as the Commanding Officer, MAG-29 Personnel Support Detachment. Next selected to command Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 161, he transitioned to the MV-22 and reported to MAG-16 in October 2025. Lieutenant Colonel Jacobs assumed command of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 161 “Greyhawks” in February 2026.
Lieutenant Colonel Jacobs is a graduate of the MAWTS-1 Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course, distinguished graduate of Marine Corps Expeditionary Warfare School, distinguished graduate of Marine Corps Command and Staff College, and distinguished graduate of Army Command and General Staff College. He holds a Master of Operational Studies from the Army Command and General Staff College.
Lieutenant Colonel Jacobs has accumulated over 2300 military flight hours and qualifications in seven different airframes. He has had the pleasure of wearing the patch and serving in numerous operational units to include HMLA-269, HMLA-167, HMM-265(REIN), VMM-263(REIN), VMM-262(REIN), HMX-1, HMLA-775, HMLA-369, VMM-265(REIN), MAG-39, MAG-29, and MAG-16. His personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with one gold star. Lieutenant Colonel Jacobs is authorized to wear the Presidential Service Badge.