LtCol Nicholas J. Halsmer was born in Lafayette, IN and graduated from Oral Roberts University in 2009 with a Bachelor of Science degree in 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, 2nd Lt Halsmer underwent foreign 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. 1st Lt 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. 1st Lt Halsmer received his aviator wings on 12 October 2012.
1st Lt 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, Capt Halsmer completed three deployments: SPMAGTF-Crisis Response Africa 14.1, and the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) in 2016 and 26th MEU 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.
In 2018, Capt 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, Major Halsmer also served as the MAWTS-1 Aviation Development, Tactics, and Evaluation (ADT&E) Assault Support Specialist working with HQMC, Naval Air Systems Command, and industry partners to conduct tactical demonstrations. In the ADT&E department Maj Halsmer’s focus areas were digital interoperability and aircraft survivability tactics and equipment.
In 2021, Major Halsmer executed orders to MAG-36 in Okinawa, Japan and reported to the “Flying Tigers” of VMM-262 as the Aircraft Maintenance Officer. In 2022, he became the VMM-262 (REIN) Aviation Combat Element Executive Officer and deployed with the 31st MEU aboard the USS Tripoli and USS America for two patrols in 2022 and 2023. Following these deployments Major Halsmer served as the MAG-36 Operations Officer and the 1st MAW MV-22 Flight Leadership Program Manager. Major Halsmer facilitated multiple tactical and professional exchanges between MAG-36 and Japanese Ground Self Defense Force officers.
From 2024 to 2026 LtCol Halsmer had the privilege of serving on the Deputy Commandant for Aviation’s staff with the Cunningham Group in Washington DC at the Pentagon. At Headquarters Marine Corps Aviation, he filled the role of commodity resource sponsor and managed the future capability roadmap for Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) digital interoperability, communication networking, and tactical data link systems for assault support aircraft such as the MV-22 Osprey. LtCol Halsmer’s personal awards include the Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal (3rd award).