Executive Officer
Maj Douglas R. Kansier

Maj Kansier received his commission as a second lieutenant in March 2009 and subsequently completed The Basic School and Infantry Officer Course aboard MCB Quantico.

In 2010 he received orders to 3d Battalion, 3d Marines aboard MCB Hawaii. While in V33 he served as H&S Company Executive Officer, Combined Anti-Armor Team Platoon Commander - Weapons Company, and Kilo Company Executive Officer. He deployed twice to Helmand Province, Afghanistan as part of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.

In fall 2012 Maj Kansier reported for duty aboard Marine Barracks, Washington D.C. While at “8th and I” he served as a Marine Corps Institute project officer and participated in numerous ceremonial events in the National Capital Region, including the Presidential inauguration and the Sunset and Evening Parades. While stationed at MBW Maj Kansier was selected on the Field Accession Board to begin training towards a Naval Aviator designation.

In fall 2013 Maj Kansier reported to MATSG-21 aboard NAS Pensacola to begin flight training. In 2014 he completed Introductory Flight Screening, Aviation Pre-flight Indoctrination, and Primary flight training flying the T-6B Texan II. Following selection for Strike he reported to NAS Kingsville for intermediate and advanced jet training in the T-45C Goshawk.

Maj Kansier was designated a Naval Aviator in June 2016 and reported for duty to VMFAT-101 aboard MCAS Miramar. Throughout 2016 and 2017 he progressed through the training syllabus and was designated a qualified F/A-18A/B/C/D pilot in fall 2017. He received orders to VMFA-115 and re-located to MCAS Beaufort.

Maj Kansier served as NATOPS Officer and S-1 officer-in-charge during two years in the ‘Silver Eagles.’ He deployed with the squadron to Isa Air Base, Bahrain in 2018 and participated in Operation INHERENT RESOLVE, flying the F/A-18A++. Following return from deployment Maj Kansier was selected for conversion to the F-35B Lightning II.

Following conversion training at VMFAT-501 Maj Kansier received orders to Marine Aircraft Group 12 and re-located to MCAS Iwakuni, Japan in July 2020. He was part of the initial cadre that stood up the re-designated Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 242 in October 2020 and initially served as the Operations Officer.  Maj Kansier is currently serving as the Executive Officer, VMFA-242.

Maj Kansier’s personal awards include the Air Medal (4 Strike/Flight), the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (second award).