LtCol “Padre” Bergman grew up in the Pacific Northwest. He graduated from the US Naval Academy in May 2007 with a Bachelor of Science in Systems Engineering. Following The Basic School and Flight Training, 1stLt Bergman earned his wings of gold in March 2010 and became a selectively retained graduate (SERGRAD) Strike Flight Instructor. While assigned to the Fighting Redhawks of VT-21, 1stLt Bergman served as the illustrious Coffee Mess Officer and instructed student naval aviators in intermediate and advanced jet training in the Kingsville, TX.

In June 2011, Captain Bergman reported to Miramar, CA for F/A-18 training and orders to VMFA(AW)-225. He deployed with the Vikings to Isa Air Base in 2013 and a UDP to the Western Pacific in 2015. He served as the NATOPS and Ground Safety Officer, Powerline Division Officer, and the Future Operations Officer. He completed the MAWTS-1 Marine Division Tactics Instructor Course and was designated a Forward Air Controller Airborne and Mission Commander. Captain Bergman was selected on the 2016 Commandant’s Career Level Education Board and the F-35 Transition/Conversion board. 

After completing resident EWS in Quantico, Captain Bergman reported to VMFAT-501 in Beaufort, SC in 2017. While assigned to the Warlords, Major Bergman completed the Weapons and Tactics Instructor course. He served as the Airframes and Low Observable Division Officer, Training Officer, and the Director of Safety and Standardization in charge of the F-35B NATOPS Program and FRS Syllabus Development. In 2018, Major Bergman was selected on the USMC Naval Postgraduate School program and completed the Master of Systems Analysis degree.

In April 2020, Major Bergman completed F-35C training and reported to MAWTS-1 in Yuma, AZ. He served as the subject matter expert for Air to Air Employment, Fighter Integration, Air to Air Missiles, TACAIR Mission Commander, and Debriefing. In February 2021, Major Bergman reported to VMFA-211 to serve as the Operations Officer and Weapons and Tactics Instructor on the inaugural deployment with the United Kingdom aboard HMS Queen Elizabeth.  During the Operation FORTIS worldwide deployment, Major Bergman planned and led numerous coalition combat missions in the Black Sea, Eastern Mediterranean, Operation Inherent Resolve, and theater security cooperation missions throughout the Indo-Pacific AOR.  

In 2022, Major Bergman returned to MAWTS-1 as the F-35 Division Head. Following lessons learned while operating with Allied F-35 nations around the globe, Major Bergman hosted the first F-35 Coalition Standardization board for advanced F-35 employment and developed the initial F-35 Maritime Employment Tactics Manual.

LtCol Bergman selected and slated for command of VMFA-242 and reported to Iwakuni in July 2023. While assigned to MAG-12, he served as the Operations Officer and F-35 WTI. He managed the Group’s Training Exercise Employment Plan and numerous coalition Operations Activities and Investments while also developing initiatives for Marine Aviation employment inside the First Island Chain.

LtCol Bergman has accumulated over 2300 flight hours and personally instructed hundreds of aviators and critical enablers from nine Military Services. He is a proud husband and a father of three boys.