Biography

Marine Wing Support Squadron 172
Lieutenant Colonel Nicole A. Penn

Upon graduating from the University of Saint Thomas, Lieutenant Colonel Penn commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in May 2005. She is currently serving as the Commanding Officer for Marine Wing Support Squadron 172.

LtCol Penn has had the honor of commanding at many levels. She has served as a Platoon Commander, Motor Transport Platoon, 8th Engineer Support Battalion; Engineer Detachment Commander, Combat Logistics Battalion 24, 24th MEU; Utilities Instruction Company Commander, Marine Corps Engineer School; Engineer Company Commander, MWSS-271; and Headquarters Company Commander, II MEF Support Battalion, II MEF. 

LtCol Penn’s staff assignments include: Executive Officer, Combat Engineer Instruction Company, Marine Corps Engineer School; Engineer Officer, 2nd MAW; Operations Officer, MWSS-272; II MEF Staff Secretary, and Executive Officer, Combat Logistics Regiment 37.

In the supporting establishment, LtCol Penn was an academics instructor for Marine Corps Engineer School and served as the speechwriter and Director, Commandant’s Staff Group for the 38th Commandant of the Marine Corps.

LtCol Penn deployed in 2007 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and in 2008 and 2015 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

LtCol Penn is a graduate of The Basic School, Combat Engineer Officer’s Course, Expeditionary Warfare School, Engineer Captains Career Course (with honors), and Weapons and Tactics Instructors Course (WTI). She holds a M.A. in Creative Writing from National University (magna cum laude), an MMS from Command and Staff College (with honors) and is a Gray Scholar.

Her personal decorations include: the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal with one star, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with three stars in lieu of fourth award, the Navy Achievement Medal and the Combat Action Ribbon.

1st Marine Aircraft Wing