LtCol John Campbell is a native of Wilmington, NC. He attended North Carolina State University and graduated with a degree in Industrial Engineering in 2008.
LtCol Campbell was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in August of 2008 after completing Platoon Leaders Course. Graduating The Basic School in October of 2009, LtCol Campbell was assigned as a student Naval Aviator in Pensacola, FL and earned his wings of Gold in December 2011. LtCol Campbell attended MV-22 flight training at MCAS New River and upon completion of initial MV-22 training LtCol Campbell was assigned to VMM-165, 3rd MAW in Miramar, California. LtCol Campbell held multiple billets in the Operations and S-1 Department and deployed to Operating Enduring Freedom in July 2013 as a member of the White Knights. In January 2015, LtCol Campbell was reassigned to VMM-268 as the Pilot Training Officer and attended Weapons Tactics Instruction 2-15. LtCol Campbell deployed with VMM-268 as part of SPMAGTF-CC-CR and supported Operation Inherent Resolve 15.2/16.1.
In June 2016, LtCol Campbell reported to Expeditionary Warfare School in Quantico, VA. In June 2017, LtCol Campbell reported to VMM-268, 1st MAW, in Kaneohe Bay, HI. As part of the Red Dragons, LtCol Campbell worked as the Assistant Operations Officer and deployed to Darwin, Australia as the MRF-D ACE in April 2018. In Oct 2018, LtCol Campbell led the first flight of (8) MV-22 aircraft to redeploy a distance of 5100 miles back to Kaneohe Bay from Australia. Upon return, LtCol Campbell assumed the duties as the Aviation Maintenance officer in October 2018 executing multiple TRANSPACs in support of 1st MAW campaigning.
In May 2020, LtCol Campbell reported to Marine Forces Pacific as the Aide-de-Camp to the Commander Marine Forces Pacific, Fleet Marine Forces Pacific. In June 2021, LtCol Campbell reported to the Marine Corps Command and Staff College in Quantico, VA where he graduated with a Master’s in Military Studies. In July 2022, LtCol Campbell reported to HQ Marine Corps Combat Development and Integration, Total Force Structure Division, as the ACE Branch Head. In May 2025, LtCol Campbell reported to MAG-24 as the PSD Commanding Officer.
LtCol Campbell’s personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal with Gold Star, Air Medal Strike/Flight numeral 4, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.