Biography
Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 36
Major Leslie R. Rice

Major Rice was a member of the Indiana Air National Guard from 1999 to 2008. She worked as an Aerospace Propulsion Craftsman for the 122nd Fighter Wing in Fort Wayne Indiana and deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom during that timeframe. She graduated from Purdue University in 2009 with a Bachelor Degree in Aeronautical Technology, earning her commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps via the Platoon Leaders Class program. After completion of The Basic School in 2011, Major Rice reported to Marine Aviation Training Support Group 21, Pensacola, Florida for flight training.

In May of 2011, while awaiting flight training in the student pool Major Rice volunteered as a Platoon Commander for Aviation Maintenance Squadron 1 and held that billet for 6 months. Major Rice then attended Preflight Indoctrination from November to December of 2011. 

In January of 2012, upon completion of Preflight Indoctrination Major Rice volunteered to attend Primary Flight Training at Vance AFB as a part of the Joint Training Program with the Air Force. Major Rice reported to Vance AFB as a Student Naval Aviator and graduated from the Air Force’s Primary Flight Training program in August of 2012.

In August of 2012, Major Rice was selected for the Helo Pipeline and reported to NAS Whiting Field Milton, Florida for Advanced Flight Training. She commenced training in November 2012 and chose to Drop On Request from the program in May of 2013. Shortly after Major Rice was re-designated as an Aircraft Maintenance Officer. She then attended the Aircraft Maintenance Officer School at NAS Whiting Field Milton, Florida and graduated in September 2013.

In September of 2013, Major Rice reported to Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 14 (MALS-14), Cherry Point, North Carolina. While assigned to MALS-14, Major Rice held several billets that included Assistant Aircraft Maintenance Officer, Airframes Officer In Charge, and Aviation Life Support Systems Officer In Charge.

In January of 2015, Major Rice reported to Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Training Squadron 1 (VMAQT-1) Cherry Point, North Carolina and served as the Assistant Aircraft Maintenance Officer, Avionics Officer In Charge, and Maintenance Administration Officer In Charge until June of 2016. While assigned to VMAQT-1 Major Rice completed the Expeditionary Warfare School Blended Seminar Program at Camp Lejeune.

In July of 2016, Major Rice reported to Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 16 Miramar, California and served as the Power Plants Officer In Charge until January of 2018.

In January of 2018, Major Rice reported to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 165 Miramar, California and served as the Assistant Aircraft Maintenance Officer and Maintenance Administration Officer In Charge. Major Rice participated in Integrated Training Exercise 5-18 from July 2018 to August 2018 and deployed in support of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force 19.1 from October 2018 to March 2019.

In July of 2019, Major Rice reported to Marine Aviation Training Support Group 23 Pensacola, Florida and served as the Executive Officer for Aviation Maintenance Squadron 2 (AMS-2) until May 2020. In June of 2020 Major Rice was assigned as the Commanding Officer of AMS-2 and served as the Commanding Officer until June of 2022.

In July of 2022, Major Rice reported to Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 36 (MALS-36) Okinawa, Japan and is currently serving as the Executive Officer for MALS-36.

Major Rice’s personal decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (with 1 one gold star) and the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal.

1st Marine Aircraft Wing