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Command Biography
VMFA-251 Commanding Officer
Lieutenant Colonel Evan L. Shockley

LtCol Shockley graduated with distinction from the US Naval Academy in 2006, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science with a Minor in Russian Language.  Upon graduation, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Marine Corps and reported to the University of Virginia where he earned a Master of the Arts in Foreign Affairs.  

After graduate school, LtCol Shockley reported to The Basic School in Quantico, VA and finished as the Honor Graduate of BOC 3-08, additionally earning the Academic Award and Military Skills Award.  Following TBS he reported to MATSG-21 in Pensacola, Florida to begin Naval Aviation Flight training.  Upon completion of Aviation Preflight Indoctrination at NAS Pensacola, LtCol Shockley received orders to the VT-3 “Red Knights” at NAS Whiting Field, FL for Primary Naval Flight Training, followed by advanced jet training with the VT-7 “Eagles” at NAS Meridian, MS where he received the “Golden Stick” award.  After receiving his Naval Aviator Wings in March 2011 he reported to the VMFAT-101 “Sharpshooters” at MCAS Miramar, CA, for initial CAT I training in the F/A-18 Hornet.  Upon completion of the FRS, LtCol Shockley reported to Marine Aircraft Group 11 and was subsequently assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 314, the “Black Knights,” in January 2013.  

While with VMFA-314 LtCol Shockley served as the Schedules Officer and Flight Officer.  In 2013 he deployed with the Black Knights to Bahrain in support of RFF-1200.  In 2014 LtCol Shockley deployed again to Bahrain in support of RFF-1200.  Three months into the deployment VMFA-314 was re-tasked to be the first US Marine Corps Fighter Attack Squadron in support of Operation Inherent Resolve for which they would subsequently be selected for the Robert M. Hanson Award as the Fighter/Attack Squadron of the Year.  

In April 2015 LtCol Shockley reported to the VMFAT-501 “Warlords” for assignment as an F-35B Transition Student.  After finishing transition training, LtCol Shockley reported to the VMFA-121 “Green Knights” at MCAS Yuma, AZ.  While in Yuma, LtCol Shockley served as both the S-1 and S-4 Officer for the squadron’s transition from MCAS Yuma, AZ to MCAS Iwakuni, Japan.  While in Japan, LtCol Shockley attended WTI 2-17, graduating in April 2017.  Upon returning from WTI he served as the DOSS from May 2017 until May 2018 and the Operations Officer from May 2018 until May 2019.  In April 2019 he deployed with the 31st MEU in support of Exercise Balikatan.  In 2019 the squadron was awarded the Commandants Aviation Trophy.

In May of 2019 LtCol Shockley reported to MAWTS-1 aboard MCAS Yuma, AZ where he served as an F-35 Instructor Pilot (2019-2021), F-35 Division Head (2021-2022), and Executive Officer (2022-2023).  His Subject Matter Expert (SME) topics included RADAR, F-35 Combat Systems, AIM-9X, GAU-22 Gun, Strike Fighter Missions, and Mission Commanding.  

In August 2023 LtCol Shockley report to MCAS Cherry Point where he served as the MAG-14 WTI until March 2024.  He currently serves as the VMFA-251 Officer in Charge.

The service schools and courses that he has attended include The Basic School, Aviation Preflight Indoctrination, Primary Naval Flight Training, Advanced Naval Jet Training, F/A-18 Fleet Replacement Squadron Course, F-35B Fleet Replacement Squadron Course, F-35C Fleet Replacement Squadron Course, Legal Officer Course (Honor Graduate), Expeditionary Warfare School (Distance Learning Program, with distinction), Command and Staff (Distance Education Program), and the Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course.  LtCol Shockley’s personal awards include Air Medal with numeral one, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with gold star in lieu of second award, and the Navy Achievement Medal.

Tags
2nd Marine Aircraft Wing