Yuma, Arizona - Dexter native, Lt. Col. Chad Vaughn marked his change of command on June 30, 2016. The Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 211 re-designated to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (FMVA) 211 during a ceremony aboard Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona.
The re-designation marks the first time an AV-8B Harrier squadron transitioned to an F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter squadron, becoming the second F-35 squadron in the United States Marine Corps.
During the ceremony, Lt. Col. William Maples relinquished command of the transitioning squadron to Lt. Col. Chad Vaughn.
Lieutenant Colonel Chad Vaughn is a 1997 graduate of Virginia Tech with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. He was commissioned through the Platoon Leaders Course as a Second Lieutenant in May 1997. He is the son of Gen.(Ret) Clyde and Carol Vaughn and lived in Dexter until his parents due to Clyde's military service had to move from the area.
Lt Col Vaughn attended The Basic School with Delta Company in 1997 and reported to NAS Pensacola, FL in January 1998 for flight training. After training at NAS Whiting Field, FL and NAS Kingsville, TX Lt Col Vaughn was designated a Naval Aviator in January 2000 and slated for the F/A-18 Hornet. From February 2000 to February 2001 he trained at the VFA-125 “Rough Raiders” aboard NAS Lemoore, CA.
In March 2001 Lt Col Vaughn reported to the “Black Knights” of VMFA-314 aboard MCAS Miramar, CA. Following the Sept 11, 2001 attacks the squadron rapidly deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom with Carrier Air Wing Nine on board the USS John C. Stennis from November 2001 to May 2002. After a brief return home, he was deployed to the Western Pacific on board the USS Carl Vinson from January to September 2003. Upon return from WESTPAC Lt Col Vaughn was selected to attend TOPGUN in 2004 and WTI in 2005. During this tour Lt Col Vaughn served as a Schedule Writer, Airframes Officer, Training Officer, Assistant Maintenance Officer, and Safety and Standardization Officer.
In September 2005 Lt Col Vaughn reported to NAS Fallon, NV as an instructor at the Naval Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN). While at TOPGUN, Lt Col Vaughn served as the Navy/Marine Corps Subject Matter Expert on 1v1 Air Combat and Briefing/Debriefing and was the USMC F-35 Liaison.
In June 2008 Lt Col Vaughn reported back to VMFA-314 aboard MCAS Miramar, CA as the Operations Officer. He deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from March to Sept 2009. While serving with VMFA-314, Lt Col Vaughn was selected as one of the initial cadre to transition to the F-35.
In December 2009 Lt Col Vaughn reported to the “Warlords” of VMFAT-501 at Eglin AFB, FL to stand up the initial F-35B training squadron. During this tour he served as the squadron’s Weapons Officer. In July 2011 Lt Col Vaughn was assigned to Headquarters Marine Corps for duties as the F-35 Requirements Officer.
Lt Col Vaughn reported back to VMFAT-501 in July 2013 as an Instructor Pilot where he served as the Maintenance Officer. During this tour he was selected for command of the VMFA-211 “Wake Island Avengers”. He reported to MCAS Yuma, AZ in July 2015.
Lt Col Vaughn has over 2,600 flight hours in the F/A-18A-D, F-16A/B, F/A-18E/F, and the F-35B. His personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with 5 Strike/Flight Awards, and the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with four gold stars.
“The Marines are really what makes this aircraft special,” said Vaughn. “Their hard work, effort and dedication are what really make this aircraft awesome, so I’m humbled to be working with them and proud to lead them.”
To watch the ceremony click HERE.
Photo courtesy of Randy Hoeft of the Yuma Sum Newspaper.
