Lieutenant Colonel Zachary K. Everhart was born in Martinsville, Indiana. He graduated from DePauw University (2005, BA History) and commissioned into the Marine Corps in 2006 through the Officer Candidate Course in Quantico, Virginia.
His operational assignments include tours with VMFA(AW)-121, 1st Tank Battalion, VMFA(AW)-225, VMFA-121, VMFAT-501, and MAG-31 from 2010-2025 with three deployments to Japan (UDP), one deployment to Isa Air Base in Bahrain, and two 31st MEU Patrols (21.2, 22.1). In these units he served as a Legal Officer, Adjutant, Embark Officer, Battalion Air Officer, Company Forward Air Controller, H&S Company Commander, Flight Officer, Assistant Operations Officer, Aircraft Maintenance Officer, Executive Officer, VMFA Detachment OIC, FRS Instructor Pilot, Training Officer, Group Operations Officer, and Group Personnel Support Detachment CO.
His training and education include: Naval Flight Officer Training (API, VT-10, VT-86), F-18 Weapons Systems Officer Training (VMFAT-101), SERE School, Legal Officer's School, Raytheon Warfighter School, Tactical Air Control Party School (EWTGPAC), Naval Aviator Training (VT-28, VT-21), F-35 Pilot Training (VMFAT-501), Aviation Safety Commanders Course, STOVL Landing Signal Officer's Course, and three Distance Education Program PME Courses (USMC Expeditionary Warfare School, USMC Command and Staff, and the USAF Air War College). He also earned his Masters of Public Affairs from Indiana University.
Lieutenant Colonel Everhart is current in the F-35B as a Division Lead, Mission Commander, Air Combat Maneuvering Instructor, Lightning Tactics Instructor, Flight Leadership Standardization Evaluator, STOVL Shipboard Landing Signals Officer, NATOPS Evaluator, Instrument Evaluator, Functional Check Flight pilot, and day and night carrier qualified. As an F-18D WSO he was a qualified Forward Air Controller (Airborne) and Fighter Attack Instructor. He has over 2200 hours of total military flight time.
Lieutenant Colonel Everhart owes his achievements and successes to the Marines and Sailors he's proudly served with for nearly 20 years and the unwavering support of his family. He was awarded the following: Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with one gold star, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with two gold stars, and several other unit and personal awards. He is proud to lead America's best sons and daughters in Iwakuni, Japan as the Commanding Officer of VMFA-121 since 16 June 2025.