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Command Biography

VMM-261 Executive Officer
Major Samuel B. Mutschler

Major Mutschler was commissioned in the United States Marine Corps on December 14, 2012, following graduation from Texas A&M with a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineer. Upon completion of The Basic School, he reported to NAS Pensacola, Florida for flight training and earned his wings as a Naval Aviator in January 2016. 

Upon successful completion of initial training in the MV-22B at Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 204 in New River, North Carolina, Major Mutschler was then assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 162 at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina in July 2016. There he served as a Daily Schedule Writer, Navigation Officer, Airframes Officer-in-Charge, attended WTI 1-21, Pilot Training Officer, and Assistant Operations Officer. 

He deployed twice with VMM-162 on the 26th MEU as the Navigation Officer and on the 24th MEU as the Pilot Training Officer. During the deployments, he participated in multiple international exercises, supported operations in Iraq and DOD Support of Civil Authority in Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands. 

In June 2022, Major Mutschler was selected for US Army Command and General Staff College. During the academic year, he participated in a foreign exchange program, representing the school and Marine Corps at the Fuhrungsakademie Der Bundeswehr and participated in the NATO planning exercise Determined Effort 2023. 

Major Mutschler was assigned to VMM-261 as the Aircraft Maintenance Officer after graduation from the US Army Command and General Staff College. He deployed with VMM-261 (REIN) to Dijbouti, Africa in support of Crisis Response-Africa 24.1. He is currently serving as the Executive Officer as VMM-261. 

Major Mutschler has flown more than 1300 hours in tactical aircraft, including 150 combat flight hours. His personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, the Operation Inherent Resolve Medal (1 bronze star), the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment (3 bronze stars), Humanitarian Service Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal.

2nd Marine Aircraft Wing