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Command Biography

HMLA-269 Command Senior Enlisted Leader
Sergeant Major Perry J. Bessant

Sergeant Major Bessant graduated from Mullins High School in June 2001. He began recruit training on July 2, 2001 at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina with Company A, First Recruit Battalion.

In December 2001, Private First Class Bessant reported to 1st Battalion 8th Marines Camp Lejeune, North Carolina where he served as Company Guide, Team Leader, and Squad Leader for Company A. In April 2002 he was promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal and deployed to Iraq while attached to the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. He was promoted to the rank of Corporal in October 2003. In 2004 he deployed to Iraq as a Squad Leader Company A in support of Operation PHANTOM FURY.

In August 2005 Corporal Bessant reported to Marine Combat Training Battalion School of Infantry East. He was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in September 2005 and assigned as a Combat Instructor to Company E . After 18 months, he was transferred to Company K, to serve as a Senior Combat Instructor/ Instructor Trainer.

In August 2008 Sergeant Bessant reported to 2d Battalion 3d Marines Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. Sergeant Bessant was assigned as a squad leader Company F and in 2009 deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. In December 2009 he was promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant and assigned as the Weapons Platoon Sergeant to Company G and deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.

In September 2011 Staff Sergeant Bessant reported to Marine Corps Security Forces Training Company Chesapeake, VA. Staff Sergeant Bessant was assigned to Basic Security Guard Physical Security and Tactics Section as a formal schools instructor. In 2012 he was assigned to Combat Weapons section as the Staff Non-Commissioned Officer In Charge.

In June 2014 Staff Sergeant reported to 1st Battalion 8th Marines Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Staff Sergeant Bessant was assigned as weapons Platoon Sergeant Company C . In October 2015 he was promoted to Gunnery Sergeant and was re-assigned to the Command Element 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit to serve as the Headquarters Commandant and deployed in support of Operation INHERIT RESOLVE.

In July 2016 Gunnery Sergeant Bessant reported to Marine Corps Security Force Regiment Yorktown Virginia, and was assigned as the Company Gunnery Sergeant Fleet Anti-terrorism Security Team Company C .

In July 2019 First Sergeant Bessant reported to 3d Battalion 14th Marines Battery H. First Sergeant Bessant was assigned as Instructor Inspector First Sergeant for Site Support Richmond , Virginia.

In July 2022 First Sergeant Bessant reported to Marine Corps Engineer School Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. First Sergeant Bessant was assigned to Combat Engineer Instruction Company as the Company First Sergeant.

In February 2024 he was promoted to Sergeant Major and reported to MAG-29 New River Air Station Jacksonville, North Carolina. He was assigned to HMLA-269 as the Squadron Sergeant Major, his current post.

Sergeant Major Bessant personal awards includes the Navy Commendation Medal with 3 gold stars, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with 2 gold stars and 1 Combat V, a Combat Action Ribbon, Sea Service Ribbon with 1 silver star, and a Marine Combat Instructor Ribbon.

2nd Marine Aircraft Wing