Colonel “Bluto” Blejski assumes the duties as Commanding Officer, Marine Aircraft Group 24 in July of 2025 after previously serving as the Aviation Colonels Monitor, Manpower Management Division, Manpower and Reserve Affairs.
Originally from Lansing IL, Colonel Blejski commissioned in 2002 after graduating from Valparaiso University, with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science and History. Upon completion of The Basic School, he completed flight training as a Commodore’s List recipient and was designated as a KC-130 Hercules pilot.
From 2021 to 2022, Colonel Blejski served as the Commanding Officer of Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 352, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing.
Colonel Blejski’s operating forces assignments primarily include Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 352, the “Raiders”. During his four tours with the Raiders, Colonel Blejski deployed in support of Operations IRAQI FREEDOM, INHERENT RESOLVE, Combined-Joint Task Force Horn of Africa with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, Hurricane Katrina relief, Hurricane Maria relief, and the Non-Combatant Evacuation of Lebanon. Additionally, he deployed in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM with 1st Battalion, 5th Marines as a Forward Air Controller. His staff assignments include Executive Officer and KC-130 NATOPS Program Manager at the KC-130J Fleet Replacement Detachment, Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff/Regional Plans Officer G-5, I Marine Expeditionary Force, the Personnel Support Detachment Commanding Officer Marine Aircraft Group 11, and the Command Inspector General for 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing.
Colonel Blejski is a graduate of the Marine Corps Expeditionary Warfare School, Tactical Air Control Party Course, USAF Advanced Airlift Tactics Training Course, Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course, Marine Corps Command and Staff College, and the Eisenhower School. He has earned Master Degrees’ in Military Studies, and National Security and Resource Strategy.
His personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal with Gold Star, Air Medal with Strike/Flight Numeral 6, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat Distinguishing Device and three Gold Stars, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with Gold Star, and the Combat Action Ribbon. He has amassed over 4,000 mishap-free flight hours and 550 combat hours in the KC-130J.