Major Andrew R. McNiece was born in Deltona, FL, and graduated from the University of Central Florida in 2014 with a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies, focusing on Micro/Molecular Biology and Health Sciences. In March 2016, after graduating from Officer Candidates School, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. Following commissioning, he reported to Quantico, VA, for training at The Basic School, Charlie Company, in 2016.
Upon completion of TBS, 2nd Lt. McNiece began flight training. He reported to Marine Aviation Training Support Group (MATSG) 21 at NAS Pensacola, completing Aviation Preflight Indoctrination. He then reported to MATSG-22 at NAS Corpus Christi for primary flight training in the T-6B Texan II with VT-28 and was selected to fly the MV-22B Osprey. 1st Lt. McNiece then completed Intermediate flight training with Helicopter Training Squadron 28 at NAS Whiting Field and returned to NAS Corpus Christi for Advanced flight training at Training Squadron 35. 1st Lt. McNiece was designated a naval aviator on 15 March 2019.
1st Lt. McNiece next reported to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Training Squadron 204 at MCAS New River in March 2019 for initial qualification in the MV-22B. Upon completion, he reported to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 “Flying Tigers” at MCAS Futenma, where he served from October 2019 to May 2023. During this tour, Capt. McNiece completed four deployments with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and participated in multiple detachments supporting FOREST LIGHT, MASA, RESOLUTE DRAGON, IRON STORM, and IRON FIRST. During this tour, Capt. McNiece served as the Flight Equipment OIC, Naval Air Training and Operating Procedures Standardization (NATOPS) Officer, Voting Assistance Officer (VAO), Victim and Witness Assistance Coordinator (VWAC), Combat and Operational Stress Control (COSC) Representative, and S-1 Officer in Charge.
Capt. McNiece checked into Expeditionary Warfare Training Group, Atlantic (EWTGLANT) to attend the Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) Course from May 2023 to June 2023 at NAB Coronado. He reported to 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, at Camp Pendleton as a Forward Air Controller (FAC) in July 2023. During his time with 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, he participated in several Battalion-level exercises, including Valiant Mark 23 and Service Level Training Exercise (SLTE) 2-24. He was designated as a FAC during this tour.
Capt. McNiece next reported to VMM-265 “Dragons” at MCAS Futenma in June 2024. He served as the S-4 Officer in Charge and deployed with the 31st MEU. During this time, he supported TALISMAN SABRE, RESOLUTE DRAGON, NANSEI SWORD, and RESCUE FLAG. He was promoted to Major and is currently serving as the Executive Officer.
Major McNiece’s personal decorations include the National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with three stars, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with a star.