Lieutenant Colonel Terry A. Carter Jr is a native of Danville, Virginia and is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. During his tenure there, he majored in History with a concentration in British Studies. In tandem with his undergraduate education, he attended the Platoon Leaders Course, commissioning a Second Lieutenant in August of 2007.
Shortly after completing the Basic School, Lieutenant Colonel Carter began Aviation Preflight Indoctrination in Pensacola, Florida and was slated for the rotary wing pipeline. He was winged and designated a Naval Aviator in July 2010, selecting the CH-46E Sea Knight. Lieutenant Colonel Carter began his Fleet Replacement Squadron training at Marine Medium Helicopter Training Squadron 164 (HMMT-164) at MCAS Camp Pendleton in the fall of 2010. Lieutenant Colonel Carter then transferred to Okinawa, Japan and reported to the Dragons of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 265 (HMM-265) and served as the Squadron Adjutant. Shortly after arriving in Okinawa, Lieutenant Colonel Carter deployed to Atsugi, Japan to support the final execution of Operation TOMODACHI. During his time with HMM-265, Lieutenant Colonel Carter deployed on the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and supported multiple Bilateral Exercises. In the summer of 2012, Lieutenant Colonel Carter executed PCA orders to the Flying Tigers of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 262 (HMM-262) and immediately redeployed with the 31st MEU.
In Spring 2013, Lieutenant Colonel Carter was selected for transition to the MV-22B Osprey and executed orders to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Training Squadron 204 (VMMT-204). After completing the transition syllabus, Lieutenant Colonel Carter was assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 264 (VMM-264) and deployed with the Black Knights to Morón, Spain in support of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force- Crisis Response Africa (SPMAGTF-CR-AF). During this deployment, Lieutenant Colonel Carter supported two Named Operations to include OAKEN LOTUS and UNITED ASSISTANCE. In addition, Lieutenant Colonel Carter directly supported Humanitarian Operations in Liberia, West Africa in response to an Ebola outbreak. The following year, his squadron deployed on the 22d MEU and executed combat contingency operations in support of Operation ODYSSEY LIGHTNING. During his time with the Black Knights, Lieutenant Colonel Carter served as the Administrative Officer and the Flight Line Division Officer.
In Feb 2017, Lieutenant Colonel Carter executed orders to MCAS Kaneohe Bay and was assigned to the Red Dragons of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 268 (VMM-268). Lieutenant Colonel Carter served as the Quality Assurance Officer and Aircraft Maintenance Officer as his squadron prepped for deployment in support of Marine Rotational Forces-Darwin 2017 (MRF-D). Prior to executing MRF-D 2018, Lieutenant Colonel Carter was reassigned duties as the Air Combat Element Executive Officer. Lieutenant Colonel Carter also executed detachments for training (DFT) to South Korea, Republic of the Philippines, and multiple Trans-Pacific flights in the MV-22, while assigned to VMM-268.
In June of 2020, Lieutenant Colonel Carter returned to MAG-26 and assumed the roles of both Executive Officer and Aircraft Maintenance Officer for the Raging Bulls of VMM-261 and deployed to the Kingdom of Norway in support of Exercise COLD RESPONSE. Lieutenant Colonel Carter went on to serve as Aide-de-Camp for the II MEF Commanding General. His flight designations include Night Systems Instructor, NATOPS Instructor, Division Leader, and has logged over 2,100 total flight hours.
Lieutenant Colonel Carter has successfully executed 5 fleet deployments, to include three MEUs, SPMAGTF-CR-AF, and a deployment to Australia in support of Marine Rotational Force - Darwin. His personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal Gold Star in lieu of third award, and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.