Major Robert Sawyer is a native of Dillon, Montana, and graduated from Beaverhead County High School in 2008. He attended college at The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio, and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in History in 2012. He attended Officer Candidates School in 2010 and 2011 and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in May 2012. Major Sawyer then attended The Basic School in Quantico, Virginia.
In 2013, Major Sawyer reported to Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, Florida, for Aviation Preflight Indoctrination. He completed Primary Flight Training at NAS Whiting Field, Florida, and completed Intermediate and Advanced Jet Training at NAS Kingsville, Texas. He earned his Wings of Gold in 2016.
That same year, Major Sawyer reported to VMFAT-101 in San Diego, California, for initial training in the F/A-18 Hornet. In 2017, he reported to the “Bats” of VMFA(AW)-242 at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, for his fleet tour. He served as the NATOPS Officer, Schedules Officer, and Flight Officer.
In June 2020, Major Sawyer reported to the "Silver Eagles" of VMFA-115, where he served as the Quality Assurance Officer, Assistant Operations Officer, Pilot Training Officer, and Weapons and Projects Officer. In December 2021, Major Sawyer deployed to Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia, in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. In April 2022, he graduated from the Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course. In March 2023, he deployed with VMFA-115 to Iwakuni, Japan, as part of the Unit Deployment Program.
In August 2023, Major Sawyer reported to the "Checkerboards" of VMFA-312, where he served as the Operations Officer and Aircraft Maintenance Officer, and where he currently serves as the Executive Officer. In September 2024, he deployed with the squadron to Iwakuni, Japan, as part of the Unit Deployment Program.
Major Sawyer has accumulated more than 1,200 flight hours in the F/A-18. His decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and various personal and unit awards.