Lieutenant Colonel Nicholas D. Peters is a native of Minnesota. He is a 2009 graduate of the University of Alaska, Anchorage with a degree in Aviation Technology. Following graduation from the University of Alaska, Lieutenant Colonel Peters attended the Officer Candidate Course (OCC) and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in June of 2009. After his commissioning as a Second Lieutenant, he was assigned to Charlie Company at The Basic School.
Following graduation from The Basic School, Lieutenant Colonel Peters reported to Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, Florida for flight training and was designated a Naval Aviator in December 2012. After receiving his wings, Lieutenant Colonel Peters reported to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Training Squadron 204 at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina for initial training in the MV-22 “Osprey”.
In July 2013, Lieutenant Colonel Peters reported to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 161 (VMM-161). While at VMM-161, Lieutenant Colonel Peters deployed two times on the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) in support of Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR). Lieutenant Colonel Peters attended the Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course 1-17. While at VMM-161, Lieutenant Colonel Peters served as the Quality Assurance Officer, Pilot Training Officer, and numerous billets within the Operations Department.
After two MEUs, Lieutenant Colonel Peters left VMM-161 in 2018 and moved overseas to Okinawa, Japan to serve at VMM-265. Lieutenant Colonel Peters served as the Assistant Operations Officer and the Aircraft Maintenance Officer while conducting two 31st MEU deployments.
From 2021 through 2024 Lieutenant Colonel Peters served as an instructor at Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron-One (MAWTS-1). Lieutenant Colonel Peters served as the MV-22 Division Head and the Assault Support Department Head.
Following his tour at MAWTS-1, Lieutenant Colonel Peters received orders back to Okinawa, Japan to the Dragons of VMM-265.
From 2024 to 2025 Lieutenant Colonel Peters served VMM-265 as the Executive Officer. In 2025 Lieutenant Colonel Peters deployed on the 31st MEU in support of Talisman Saber.
After departing VMM-265, Lieutenant Colonel Peters was assigned to the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW) as part of the G-3. During his time at 1st MAW he served as the Marine Wing Liaison Kadena at Kadena Airforce Base, Okinawa, Japan. In March of 2026 Lieutenant Colonel Peters returned to VMM-265 and the 31st MEU and deployed in support of Operation Epic Fury and follow-on assignment as the Commanding Officer of VMM-265.
Lieutenant Colonel Peters personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (gold star in lieu of third award), and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (gold star in lieu of second award).