Lieutenant Colonel Paul J. Lancaster received his commission in May 2008 upon graduation from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Designated a Naval Aviator in February 2011, he reported to VMMT-204 at MCAS New River for initial training in the MV-22B.
Lieutenant Colonel Lancaster served with “Black Knights” of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 264 from 2011-2017, completing three deployments: Operation ENDURING FREEDOM 13.1, SPMAGTF-Crisis Response Africa 14.2, and the 2016 22d MEU. During these deployments he participated in Operations OAKEN LOTUS and ODYSSEY LIGHTING in Libya as well as Operation UNITED ASSISTANCE in Liberia. He graduated the Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course 2-14 in April 2014.
In 2017, Lieutenant Colonel Lancaster reported to Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One aboard MCAS Yuma, Arizona for duty as an MV-22 Instructor Pilot. He participated in the execution of six WTI courses during his tour, holding collateral billets as the International Military Student Affairs Officer and the Assistant Academics Officer.
In July of 2020, Lieutenant Colonel Lancaster reported to the “Fighting Griffins” of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 266, serving as the Executive Officer and Aircraft Maintenance Officer. He deployed to NS Guantanamo Bay, Cuba to support disaster relief operations in Haiti as part of Operation UNIFIED EFFORT.
Lieutenant Colonel Lancaster was then selected for attendance of the US Army’s School of Advanced Military Studies at Fort Leavenworth, KS. Upon graduation and designation as an Operational Planner, he reported to Headquarters, Marine Corps for service with the Deputy Commandant of Plans, Policies, and Operations as a member of the Strategy and Plans Division.
Lieutenant Colonel Lancaster returned to MCAS New River in 2025, assuming command for the activation of VMM-264 in October 2025.
Lieutenant Colonel Lancaster has logged more than 2,000 mishap-free flight hours, including more than 1,800 in the MV-22B. He holds a BS in Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, a Master of Business Administration from Liberty University, and an MA in Military Operations from the US Army’s Command and General Staff College. LtCol Lancaster’s personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with Strike/Flight numeral “3”, Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal with 3 gold stars, and the Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal.