Major Nicholas J. Halsmer was born in Lafayette, IN and graduated from Oral Roberts University in 2009 with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. In August 2009 after graduating Officer Candidates School, he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant. After commissioning, he reported to Quantico, VA for training at The Basic School, Alpha Company, 2010.

Upon completion of TBS, Major Halsmer underwent language and cultural training followed by flight training.  He reported to MATSG-21 at NAS Pensacola, completing Aviation Preflight Indoctrination, primary flight training in the T-6B Texan II with VT-3, and was selected to fly the MV-22B Osprey.  Major Halsmer then completed Intermediate flight training in the TH-57 with HT-8 at NAS Whiting Field, and then transferring to NAS Corpus Christi for Advanced flight training in the TC-12 at VT-35.  Major Halsmer received his aviator wings on 12 October 2012.

Major Halsmer next reported to VMMT-204 at MCAS New River in November 2012 for initial qualification in the MV-22B.  Upon completion, he remained at MCAS New River and reported to VMM-162 “Golden Eagles” where he served from 2013-2018.  During the course of this tour, Major Halsmer completed three deployments: SPMAGTF-Crisis Response Africa 14.1, and the 26th Marine Expeditionary unit (MEU) in 2016 and again in 2018.  During the deployments, he participated in Operations OAKEN SONNET, OAKEN LOTUS, and INHERANT RESOLVE, as well as hurricane disaster assistance and humanitarian relief operations in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.  He graduated from the Weapons and Tactics Course 1-17 in October of 2016.  During this tour, Maj Halsmer served as the Communications and Navigation Officer, Schedule Writer, Pilot Training Officer, Weapons and Tactics Instructor, and Current Operations Officer.

In 2018, Major Halsmer reported to Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1) in Yuma, AZ as an MV-22 Instructor Pilot.  He provided academic and flight instruction during six WTI courses over the course of his three year tour.  For two years of this tour, Maj Halsmer also served as the MAWTS-1 Aviation Development, Tactics, and Evaluation (ADT&E) Assault Support Specialist working with HQMC, NAVAIR, and industry partners to conduct tactical demonstrations.  In the ADT&E department Maj Halsmer’s focus areas were digital interoperability and aircraft survivability equipment.

In 2021, Maj Halsmer executed orders to MAG-36 and reported to the “Flying Tigers” of VMM-262 as the Aircraft Maintenance Officer. He currently serves as the Executive Officer.

Maj Halsmer’s personal awards include the Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal.