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Command Biography

HMHT-302 Commanding Officer
Lieutenant Colonel George A. Rawson IV

LtCol George Rawson is a native of Rock Springs, Wyoming. He attended the United States Naval Academy where he received his Bachelor of Science in Political Science and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant upon graduation in May of 2006.

After The Basic School, he reported to Naval Air Training Command in Pensacola, Florida, and was designated a Naval Aviator in January 2009. He then reported to Marine Heavy Helicopter Training Squadron (HMT) 302, Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 29, at MCAS New River, North Carolina, for training in the CH-53E Super Stallion. His first fleet assignment was with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 361 from 2009 to 2013. In 2010 and 2012, he deployed to Helmand Province, Afghanistan with HMH-361.

In May 2013, LtCol Rawson was board selected to attend the resident Expeditionary Warfare School (EWS) in Quantico, Virginia. Upon graduation from EWS, LtCol Rawson received orders to Marine Heavy Helicopter Training Squadron (HMHT) 302 where he was a Fleet Replacement Squadron Instructor Pilot from 2014 to 2016.

LtCol Rawson reported to Marine Helicopter Squadron (HMX) One in Quantico, Virginia, where he flew the VH-3D and VH-60N. Designated a Command Pilot and Marine One, LtCol Rawson flew the President of the United States, the Vice President of the United States, and other dignitaries, both in Washington D.C. and locations around the world. He held the additional billet of White House Liaison Officer where he coordinated with White House staff to safely transport the President of the United States.

In July 2020, LtCol Rawson joined HMH-461, MAG- 29, at MCAS New River, North Carolina, where he served as the Aircraft Maintenance Officer and Executive Officer.

Following his Department Head tour at HMH-461, LtCol Rawson received orders to 3d Marine Division, Camp Courtney, Japan where he held the billet of Current Operations Officer. LtCol Rawson was selected to command HMHT-302 and reported to MCAS New River in January 2024.  

LtCol Rawson’s personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with Flight Strike Numeral 10, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, the Presidential Service Badge, and various unit and campaign awards.    

2nd Marine Aircraft Wing