Biography

Marine Air Control Squadron 4
Major Travis M. Powell

Major Powell was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He was commissioned into the United States Marine Corps through the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program at the University of New Mexico and received an Undergraduate Degree in University Studies and Exercise Science. He then reported to Officer Candidate’s School (OCS) in May of 2010, first increment. Following OCS, he completed his senior year and commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant into the United States Marine Corps on 13 May 2011.

Following his commissioning, 2nd Lieutenant Powell then reported to The Basic School, where he was selected to attend the Air Traffic Control Officers course at Pensacola, Florida to complete the Marine Air Traffic Control Officer’s Course for a period of 15 weeks.

In June 2012, 2nd Lieutenant Powell reported to Marine Air Control Squadron 4, Detachment B (Det B), Iwakuni, Japan, where he then transferred to Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron (H&HS), Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, to gain his initial air traffic control (ATC) qualifications and serve as Crew Officer. 2ndLt Powell received his Radar Final Control, Ground Control, and Flight Data Qualifications to complete his time at H&HS.

In 2013 2nd Lieutenant Powell returned to MACS-4, Det B, to serve as the Operations Officer and gain Marine ATC Mobile Team (MMT) training. First Lieutenant Powell attended the MAWTS-1 MMT Leader’s course and, upon graduation, served as MMT OIC for Exercise Forager Fury in Tinian. In December 2014, 1st Lieutenant Powell transferred to the 31st MEU to serve as the MMT OIC for the MEU Control Group Detachment and deployed to the Philippines. 1st Lieutenant Powell deployed to multiple locations within the Philippines during his time on the MEU. Upon completion of the MEU, 1st Lieutenant Powell returned to MACS-4 Det B and executed PCS orders in 2015 to Marine Air Training Support Group 23 (MATSG-23) to serve as the Marine Liaison Officer of the ATC ACA-1 Schoolhouse. In June 2017, Captain Powell was selected to serve as the MACS-1 Detachment C Company Commander in Yuma, Arizona. After serving as Company Commander for two years, Captain Powell was selected to serve as the ATC Division Head at MAWTS-1 within the Command, Control, and Communications Department. After completing his tour of duty at MAWTS-1, Major Powell was selected to attend the Marine Corps University Resident Command and Staff College where he gained his master’s degree in military studies. Upon completion of Command and Staff College, Major Powell reported to MACG-18 to serve as the Current Operations Officer for a period of one year. Following his time at MACG-18 Operations, Major Powell was selected to serve as the MACS-4 Operations Officer. This coming summer, in June of 2025, Major Powell will serve as the MACS-4 Executive Officer until he executes PCS in the summer of 2026.

Maj Powell’s decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (3rd award).

1st Marine Aircraft Wing