Major Seth “Meechum” Stewart is from Greensboro, NC. He graduated and commissioned from the United States Naval Academy with a degree in Mechanical Engineering in May of 2013 where he played Varsity Soccer and Club Lacrosse. After commissioning, he attended the University of Maryland and earned a Masters of Engineering in Civil and Environmental Engineering Project Management.
Following The Basic School, Major Stewart was designated a Naval Aviator in February of 2017 and was assigned to VMAT-203, MCAS Cherry Point, NC, for initial AV-8B training. In October of 2018, Major Stewart reported to the world famous VMA-311 “Tomcats,” MCAS Yuma, AZ. In VMA-311 Major Stewart held the billets of Aviation Life Support Systems Division OIC, Powerline Division OIC, Quality Assurance Officer, CMCCO and CACO. In 2019, Major Stewart deployed with VMA-311 to the CENTCOM AOR in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE with Special Purpose MAGTF and executed ATO tasking in Iraq and Syria, earning three Air Medals. Upon returning from this deployment, he earned his Section Lead designation.
In May 2020, Major Stewart joined VMA-214 “Black Sheep”, where he served as the Aircraft Maintenance Officer. While a Blacksheep, Major Stewart earned the Qualifications of Division Lead, Functional Check Flight Pilot and Weapons Training Officer.
In July 2021, Major Stewart deployed on USS ESSEX in support of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit. With the 11th MEU, Major Stewart again supported Operation INHERENT RESOLVE from ship and from Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, supporting numerous combat missions over Iraq and Syria. Upon return from this deployment, Major Stewart, as the AMO, aided in the designation of VMA-214 to VMFA-214 in its redesignation as an F-35B squadron.
In April 2022, Major Stewart transitioned platforms to the F-35B at VMFAT-502, MCAS Miramar. After completing the pilot conversion syllabus, Major Stewart reported to VMFAT-501, Beaufort, SC, to stay as an instructor pilot. He quickly earned his Section Lead and Division Lead Designations in the F-35 and subsequently became an Air Combat Maneuvering Instructor. Major Stewart initially served as the Administrative Officer and Legal Officer. In July 2024, Major Stewart attended Aviation Safety Officer's Course and became the squadron's ASO for one year. Major Stewart earned the qualification of Crew Resource Management Instructor and subsequently became the Marine Corps' Crew Resource Management Program for the entire F-35B fleet.
While at VMFAT-501 Major Stewart was selected to become an F-35B Demonstration Pilot. He has flown airshows in Beaufort, Iwakuni, Long Island, Traverse City, and OshKosh.
He is currently the squadron’s Executive Officer. He has accrued over 1,400 flight hours including 298 combat hours.