Lieutenant Colonel Nicole Marinelli (Yarbrough), a native of Odessa, Texas was commissioned in May 2008, through the United States Naval Academy earning a Bachelor of Science degree in History. Upon graduation from The Basic School, 2ndLt Nicole Yarbrough reported to Marine Air Control Squadron 2 (MACS-2), Cherry Point, North Carolina.
While at MACS-2, 2ndLt Yarbrough completed the Air Defense Control Officers Course in Twentynine Palms, California and deployed as the MACS-2 Tactical Air Operations Center (TAOC) night crew Surveillance Identification Director to Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan from 2009 until 2010 in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. After returning from Afghanistan, 2ndLt Yarbrough became the TAOC training and Weapons, Tactics, and Techniques Program (WTTP) officer, preparing Marines for the air command and control role in Afghanistan. In 2010, 1stLt Yarbrough deployed again in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM as the TAOC Senior Air Director.
Following her tour at Cherry Point, Captain Yarbrough was selected for the Advanced Degree Program (ADP) and attended the University of Texas at Arlington. After completing two Masters’ programs, she reported to Marine Corps University (MCU) in Quantico, Virginia, where she served as an Education Officer for the Vice President of Academic Affairs from June 2014 to May 2017.
After her tour at MCU, Captain Marinelli reported to MACS-2 where she served as the detachment commander for the Early Warning/Control Detachment in Beaufort, South Carolina from June 2017 until March 2019. Following detachment command, Major Marinelli deploy to Kabul, Afghanistan as the Special Mission Wing (SMW) Special Operations Advisory Group (SOAG) J3 Operations Officer in support of Operation FREEDOM’S SENTINEL.
In January 2020, Major Marinelli became the Executive Officer of Marine Air Support Squadron 1 (MASS-1) in Cherry Point, North Carolina. After a successful 14-month tours as a squadron XO, Major Marinelli was selected to be the 2d Marine Air Wing Staff Secretary.
In June 2022, Major Marinelli reported to II MEF Information Group (II MIG), where she served as the Current Operations Officer and the Assistant Operations Officer. In April 2024, Major Marinelli was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and became the II MIG Operations Officer. While at II MIG Lieutenant Colonel Marinelli completed the Joint Interface Control Officer (JICO) Course and the Joint Data Networks Staff Course (JDNSC).
In July 2024, Lieutenant Colonel Marinelli reported to II MEF G39 to serve as the Deputy Director of Plans/Operations Officer. Lieutenant Colonel Marinelli was integrally involved in the development of the II MEF Campaign Plan and the 2026 Marine Corps Science and Experimentation Campaign Plan ensuring experimentation was integrated with multiple fire control and command and control programs.
In July 2025, Lieutenant Colonel Marinelli reported to Marine Air Control Group 28, and assumed responsibility as the group executive officer.
Her personal decorations include a a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with gold star, a Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and a Meritorious Service Medal with gold star.
She holds a Master’s Degree in Diplomacy with an emphasis on Terrorist Organization from Norwich University, a Master’s Degree in Transatlantic History from the University of Texas at Arlington and a Master’s Degree in Education with an emphasis in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Texas at Arlington.