Lieutenant Colonel John B. Cumbie is a native of Texas and graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2007 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering. After commissioning as a Second Lieutenant, he attended the Basic School and progressed through flight training until being designated a Naval Aviator in April of 2010. Upon winging, he reported to Marine Attack Training Squadron 203 for his initial training in the AV-8B Harrier.
In June of 2011, 1stLt Cumbie reported to MAG-13 aboard MCAS Yuma, AZ and was assigned to Marine Attack Squadron 211. While assigned to the Wake Island Avengers, Captain Cumbie served as the Communications Officer, Airframes Division Officer, Operations Daily and Weekly Schedule Writer. In 2012 Captain Cumbie deployed with VMA-211 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) to Kandahar and Camp Bastion, Afghanistan. Following this deployment, Captain Cumbie earned his Section and Division Leader designation and completed the Weapons Training Officer certification.
In January of 2014, Captain Cumbie received orders to 1st Marine Special Operations Battalion to serve as the Air Officer of Marine Special Operations Company Alpha. While there, Captain Cumbie earned the 7502 MOS at the Tactical Air Control Party course at EWTGPAC, attended the U.S. Army Basic Airborne Course, and deployed in support of Special Operations Command, Pacific.
In February of 2016, Captain Cumbie reported to Marine Attack Training Squadron 203 for duty as an AV-8B Instructor Pilot. While at the Hawks, Captain Cumbie served as the Replacement Pilot Training Officer, Weekly Schedule Writer, Quality Assurance Division Officer, and Close Air Support Department Head. During this tour Captain Cumbie earned the Low Altitude Tactics Instructor and Air Combat Tactics Instructor qualifications.
In July of 2019, Major Cumbie checked into Marine Attack Squadron 223 to serve as the squadron Maintenance Officer. During his time as the Maintenance Officer, the Bulldogs successfully completed both 2d MAW Aviation Logistics Maintenance Assessment Team and Commander, Naval Air Forces inspections with above average results. Major Cumbie then proceeded to serve as the squadron Operations Officer, developing and implementing a training plan to execute multiple deployments for training and prepare for a 2d MAW Commanding General’s Readiness Inspection.
In July of 2021, Major Cumbie reported for duty to Marine Forces, Special Operations Command. While assigned to the MARSOC G-3, Major Cumbie held the billets of Joint Terminal Attack Controller Program Manager, G-3 Air/Fires Officer, and earned the qualifications of Special Operations Forces Joint Terminal Attack Controller – Instructor and Evaluator. Major Cumbie conducted multiple deployments for training, instructing and certifying numerous Special Operations personnel as Special Operations Forces Joint Terminal Attack Controllers. During this tour, Major Cumbie was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and selected to command Marine Attack Squadron 223.
Lieutenant Colonel Cumbie has accumulated over 1500 hours in the AV-8B Harrier. His decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, (3) Air Medal Strike/Flight Awards, (2) Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, (2) Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, the Navy and Marine Corps Parachutist Insignia, and various unit and campaign decorations.