Lieutenant Colonel Nathaniel H. "Robo" Thayer grew up in Texas. He graduated from the US Naval Academy in May 2009 with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. Following The Basic School and Flight Training, 1stLt Thayer earned his wings of gold in April 2012 and became a selectively retained graduate (SERGRAD) Strike Flight Instructor. While assigned to the Fighting Redhawks of VT-21, 1stLt Thayer served as the Public Affairs Officer and instructed Student Naval Aviators in intermediate and advanced jet training in Kingsville, TX.
In July 2013, Captain Thayer reported to VMAT-203 for AV-8B flight training before being assigned to VMA-223. He served as the S-1 OIC and deployed to Isa Air Base, Bahrain, in 2015 in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. Captain Thayer was selected to attend US Naval Test Pilot School class 151 in Patuxent River, MD, where, among flying many other aircraft, he completed his DT2 project on the HU-16 Albatross seaplane.
In July 2017, Captain Thayer reported to VX-31 in China Lake, CA, as a test pilot for the AV-8B Harrier JSSA. During his time at VX-31, he was NATOPS-qualified in the F-18E/F. He worked on the H7.1, 7.2, 7.3, and H8.1 software for the AV-8, including the NGC Lightning Pod, IT-2 pod, ViaSat Link-16 terminal, AIM-120C, AIM-9X, JSOW A/C, APKWS, JDAM, FMU-139 D/B, and RNAV capability, including several first flights and first employments. During his last year at VX-31, Major Thayer was awarded the Senator John Glenn Test Pilot of The Year and the Michael A. Hough Award for acquisition excellence. In 2020, Major Thayer completed his Naval Postgraduate School Master's in Aerospace Engineering. Major Thayer was then selected to transition to the F-35B.
In January 2021, Major Thayer completed his transition syllabus at VMFAT-501 and reported to VMX-1 in Yuma, AZ. While serving as the Operational Test lead for the USMC on the F-35B, Major Thayer worked on multiple projects, including software versions from 30P06 through 40P02 at various stages of development. Major Thayer flew the first 8-pack of SDB2 in support of software fix verification. He also participated in both the initial test flights of LHA spot 9 at night recoveries and the Operational Test of the Lightning Carrier concept aboard the USS Tripoli. During his time at VMX-1, Major Thayer graduated with WTI class 23-1 and helped lead VMX-1 through significant transitions and integration efforts with the joint testing community, including the certification of the Joint Simulation Environment and Northern Edge 23. In July 2023, Major Thayer reported to VMFA-122, where he served as the Weapons and Tactics instructor, Maintenance Officer, and Operations Officer. During that time, VMFA-122 underwent significant transitions in O-level corrosion repairs, participated in Bamboo Eagle, Red Flag Nellis, and supported multiple WTI classes.
In July 2025, LtCol Thayer reported to MAG-12 after being slated to command VMFA-242. While assigned to MAG-12, he served as the Operational Training Center OIC and the Executive Officer at VMFA-121. During this time, he deployed with the 31st MEU 25.3 and 26.1 patrols, including combat operations in support of Operation Epic Fury.
LtCol Thayer has accumulated over 1900 hours in over 14 different types of aircraft including over 200 combat hours.