Major Robert Rich enlisted in the Marine Corps in May 1995 as a 0311 Infantryman. After completing Recruit Training at MCRD Parris Island, SC he attended the School of Infantry at Camp Geiger, NC where he graduated as Honorman and was meritoriously promoted to Lance Corporal. He was then assigned to 3d Battalion, 2d Marines, Camp Lejeune, NC and was meritoriously promoted to the rank of Corporal. During his enlisted time, Major Rich participated in the Unit Deployment Program (UDP) to Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan.
In March 1997, Major Rich was selected for the Meritorious Commissioning Program (MCP). After graduating Officer Candidate School, he was a commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant and reported to TBS in Quantico, Virginia. Upon graduating TBS, Major Rich was transferred to NAS Pensacola, FL for Flight Training and earned his wings of gold from Helicopter Training Squadron 8 in August 2000.
After being designated a CH-53E Helicopter Second Pilot at Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 302, MCAS New River, NC in May 2001, Major Rich was assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462, 3d Marine Aircraft Wing, MCAS Miramar, CA from May 2001 to September 2005. Major Rich served HMH-462 in many capacities including Flight Line Officer, Squadron Adjutant, and NATOPS Officer. During this tour, Major Rich was promoted to Captain and deployed to Okinawa, Japan in support of UDP, Kuwait and Iraq in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, and aboard the USS Bonhomme Richard with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). Over the course of these deployments, he participated in several Operations and Exercises, including SEA HORSE WIND, MILLENNIUM EDGE, COBRA GOLD, BALIKATAN, LF KARAT, Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, and Operation UNIFIED ASSISTANCE.
Upon completion of his tour in September 2005, Major Rich was reassigned to Naval Air Station Whiting Field as an Advanced Helicopter Instructor for Helicopter Training Squadron 18. During this tour he was promoted to the rank of Major. While assigned to HT-18, Major Rich held the billets of Flight Leader, Flight Operations Officer, and Squadron Operations Officer. In 2007, he was named Training Wing Five’s Helicopter Instructor of the Year.
In February of 2009, Major Rich reported to 2d Marine Aircraft Wing at MCAS Cherry Point, and was assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 366. In November 2009, he was deployed to Al Asad Airbase, Iraq in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM as the HMH-366 detachment Executive Officer. In July of 2010, he was deployed to Camp Bastion, Afghanistan in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM as the HMH-361 Maintenance Officer. Upon returning to 2d MAW, he was deployed as an Individual Augmentee to Stuttgart, Germany as the Liaison Officer for the Combined Joint Task Force, Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) to the United States Africa Command (USAFRICOM). In February 2013, Major Rich was assigned his current duties as the Executive Officer of Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 2.
Major Rich holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Florida State University in Tallahassee, FL. He is also a graduate of the Amphibious Warfare School and the Command and Staff College. His personal awards include the Air Medal, single mission award w/combat V, Air Medal with 10 Strike/Flight awards, the Joint Commendation Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (2nd Award), and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (4th Award), Humanitarian Service Medal, and various unit and campaign awards.