Commanding Officer
Maj Andrew M. Casci
Before joining the United States Marine Corps, Senior Airman Andrew Casci served in the Minnesota Air National Guard. After completing Air Force Basic Training, he was attached to the 133rd Air Mobility Command Unit in Minneapolis, MN as an Air Transportation Apprentice. While serving in Minnesota Air National Guard, he completed multiple tours in Germany, Travis AFB, Charleston AFB, and Hickam AFB. Along with serving in the ANG, Andrew Casci continued with his college education and graduated with a Bachelors of Science degree in Aviation Management from Saint Cloud State University of Minnesota. Upon completion on his orders in the MNANG he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant via the Platoon Leaders Combined Course in December of 2003. Prior to attending The Basic School, he was assigned to the 9th Marine Corps District as Assistant Officer Selection Officer. After graduating The Basic School (TBS) in October 2004 2ndLt Casci was assigned as a Student Naval Aviator to flight school in Pensacola, FL. He completed his flight training at NAS Whiting Field and was designated a Naval Aviator in July 2006.
In October 2006, 1stLt Casci reported to HMT-302 at New River, NC for training in the CH-53E with follow-on assignment to HMH-361, MAG-16, MCAS Miramar, CA, in February 2007. Within 2 months of checking-in to HMH-361 he was assigned to HMM-166 REIN and deployed aboard the USS Tarawa (LHA-1) with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit.
In June 2008, Captain Casci reported to his parent command HMH-361 where he served as the S-5 Officer, Flight Line Officer, and Ground Training Officer. During his tour he completed another overseas deployment in Al Asad Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
In October 2010, Captain Casci deployed to Camp Leatherneck in the Helmand Province of Afghanistan where he served as a G-3 Air Tasking Order Development Officer for 3d Marine Air Wing Forward. During his tour he was also able to fly numerous combat missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom with HMH-361.
In July 2011, Captain Casci reported to MATSG-21, NAS Pensacola, FL with follow on orders to HT-28 as an advanced helicopter flight instructor. He served as Public Affairs Officer, Flight Operations Officer, and Assistant Standardization Officer. He was promoted to Major in 2014 and was selected as the Lion’s Club Flight Instructor of the Year for 2013.
In November 2014, Major Casci reported to MAG-36, Okinawa where he served as the Executive Officer for Marine Wing Support Squadron 172. Then in September 2015 Maj Casci was selected to serve as aide-de-camp to the Commanding General, III Marine Expeditionary Force. After 2 years as the aide-de-camp Maj Casci transferred back to the 1st MAW where he currently serves as the Marine Wing Liaison Kadena officer in charge.
Major Casci’s personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with Strike/Flight numeral 2, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with gold star, Air Force Achievement Medal, and the Air Reserve Meritorious Service Medal.