Major Justin “M” Bissell graduated from Rochester Institute of Technology in May 2010 with a degree in Mathematics and commissioned in the winter of 2010.
Following The Basic School, Major Bissell was designated a Naval Aviator in April of 2014 and was assigned to VMFAT-101, MCAS Miramar, CA, for initial F/A-18 Hornet training. In August of 2015, Major Bissell reported to the world famous VMFA-232 “Red Devils,” MCAS Miramar, CA. In VMFA-232 Major Bissell held the billets of Airframes Officer-in-Charge (OIC), Flight Officer, Schedule Officer, S-6 OIC, MPCO, CMCCO and CACO. Major Bissell deployed with VMFA-232 to the INDOPACOM AOR and executed detachments for training to Red Flag Alaska and Northern Edge Alaska.
In June 2018, Major Bissell deployed to CENTCOM as the Senior Offensive Duty Officer responsible for all coalition aircraft executing Close Air Support in Operation Inherent Resolve.
In January 2019, Major Bissell checked into VMFA(AW)-224, MCAS Beaufort, SC. During his time in VMFA(AW)-224, Major Bissell held the billets of S-1 OIC, Pilot Training Officer, and Operations Officer. Major Bissell deployed with VMFA(AW)-224 to INDOPACOM and to CENTCOM. His qualifications in the F/A-18 included, Fighter Attack Instructor, Division Lead, Mission Commander, Low Altitude Tactics Standardized Evaluator, Marine Division Tactics Instructor, Night Systems Instructor, Weapons and Tactics Instructor, Flight Leadership Standardized Evaluator, and Post Maintenance Check Flight pilot.
In September 2022, Major Bissell transitioned to the F-35B at VMFAT-501 with follow-on orders as a F-35B instructor pilot. Major Bissell served as the Logistics Officer, ALIMS Department OIC and is currently the squadron’s Executive Officer. Major Bissell’s qualifications in the F-35B include Division Lead, Mission Commander, Air Combat Maneuvering Instructor, Lighting Tactics Instructor, and Weapons and Tactics Instructor.
His personal decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with gold star.