Biography
Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 363
Sergeant Major Michael C. Croft

Sergeant Major Croft enlisted in the Marine Corps in March of 2007 and began Recruit Training at Parris Island, SC on 2 July 2007.
Upon graduation from Recruit Training in September 2007, Private First Class Croft attended Marine Combat Training at Camp Geiger, NC.. Graduating in December 2007, Private First Class Croft then attended his MOS school, the Basic Landing Support Specialist Course at Camp Johnson, NC. After graduating in December 2007 as the honor graduate, he was meritoriously promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal and received orders to Landing Support Company, Combat Logistics Regiment 17, 1st Marine Logistics Group, Camp Pendleton, California.

In February 2008, Lance Corporal Croft reported to Combat Logistics Battalion 13 and began workups for the 13th MEU. In June of 2008, Lance Corporal Croft deployed to Aqaba, Jordan in support of Exercise Native Fury 08. In December 2008, he was promoted to the rank of Corporal. In January 2009, Corporal Croft deployed with the 13th MEU during which he participated in Exercise Sea Soldier with the Oman Army and Exercise Eastern Maverick with the Qatar Army. In May of 2009, Corporal Croft attended the Corporal's Course aboard the USS Comstock graduating as the honor graduate, Gung-ho recipient, and recipient of the Master Gunnery Sergeant Diamond award for excellence in writing. Upon returning from deployment in August 2009, he was meritoriously promoted to the rank of Sergeant.

Sergeant Croft deployed to Bahrain in April 2010 and successfully led his team through Exercise Native Fury 10. In October 2010, Sergeant Croft attended the Sergeant's Course graduating in December as a distinguished graduate. Sergeant Croft deployed in February 2011 with the 13th MEU as the Landing Support SNCOIC for the USS Comstock. He was forward deployed to Djibouti, Africa to establish a logistical node and set up an alert Evacuation Control Center team. Sergeant Croft and his team controlled all movement of personnel and cargo from air and sea through Djibouti for the duration of the 13th MEU's CENTCOM deployment.

Upon return in September 2011, Sergeant Croft remained with Combat Logistics Battalion 13 as an enabler. During the next several months, he advised the new command on lessons learned and briefed them on the upcoming work cycle. He also acted as an advisor/evaluator for the Black Sea Rotational Force for their upcoming MARFOREUROPE deployment. On 2 April 2012, he was meritoriously promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant.

Staff Sergeant Croft reported to Drill Instructor School on 03 April 2012. After successfully completing Drill Instructor School as the Honor Graduate and Leadership Award recipient, he was assigned to India Company, Third Recruit Training Battalion. During this time he held billets as a Drill Instructor, Experienced Drill Instructor, Senior Drill Instructor, Battalion Logistics Chief, and Chief Drill Instructor. He was promoted to Gunnery Sergeant in January of 2015. Gunnery Sergeant Croft successfully completed his tour in July 2015 and received orders to 1st Marine Raider Support Battalion, Camp Pendleton, California.

In August 2015 Gunnery Sergeant Croft reported to Logistics Company, 1st Marine Raider Support Battalion filling the billet of Company Gunnery Sergeant until January 2016. He was then assigned to Delta Company, 1st Marine Raider Battalion as the Logistic Chief. From January to July Gunnery Sergeant Croft led the Logistics Support Team in support of Delta Company's pre-deployment training. Due to reorganization of the company, Gunnery Sergeant Croft did not deploy with Delta Company and was reassigned to and deployed with Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force - Iraq filling the billet of Support Center - Iraq Senior Enlisted Advisor. After returning from deployment Gunnery Sergeant Croft served again as the Logistics Company Gunnery Sergeant from July to November 2017. In November 2017 he took over as the Logistics Company First Sergeant. On 30 May 2018 he was frocked to the rank of First Sergeant and in June 2018 executed orders to Marine Detachment, Keesler Air Force Base as the Detachment First Sergeant.

In July 2020 First Sergeant Croft reported to Combat Logistics Regiment 27 to serve in the billet as the Headquarters Company First Sergeant. Upon selection to Sergeant Major, he received orders to VMM-363 and assumed his current position as the Squadron Sergeant Major on 3 March 2023.

Sergeant Major Croft's personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal with gold star in lieu of second award, Joint
Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with gold star in lieu of third award, and the Navy and Marine
Corps Achievement Medal with gold star in lieu of second award. He is married to the former Nicole Brunner. They have two children,
Caroline and Landon.

1st Marine Aircraft Wing