Kevin J. Dobzyniak
Lieutenant Colonel
United States Marine Corps
Lieutenant Colonel Dobzyniak was born in Dearborn, Michigan. He graduated from Divine Child High School and then Michigan State University receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Forest Science. He was commissioned a Second Lieutenant upon graduation in January 1995.
Lieutenant Colonel Dobzyniak was designated a Naval Aviator in March 1998 and reported to Marine Helicopter Training Squadron 302 (HMT-302), MCAS New River, North Carolina, for training in the CH-53E. In August 1998, he reported to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 464 (HMH-464) at MCAS New River, North Carolina, where he served as the NATOPS Officer. In August 1999, he transferred to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 263 (HMM-263) (Rein) and the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit Special Operations Capable (SOC) as a Logistics Officer and deployed to the Mediterranean Sea aboard the USS WASP. This deployment included operations in Kosovo in support of Operation Joint Guardian. He returned to HMH-464 in August 2000 as the Special Projects and Family Readiness Officer. In August 2001, Lieutenant Colonel Dobzyniak reported to 2nd Battalion 6th Marine Regiment and the 22nd MEU (SOC) as a Forward Air Controller and the Assistant Operations Officer where he deployed aboard the USS WASP in support of the Global War on Terrorism.
In October 2002, Lieutenant Colonel Dobzyniak reported to Marine Helicopter Training Squadron 302 as an instructor Pilot. From 2002 to 2005 while assigned to HMT-302, Lieutenant Colonel Dobzyniak served as the S-1 Officer, Quality Assurance Officer and Assistant Maintenance Officer. Additionally, he graduated from the Expeditionary Warfare School nonresident program. In January 2005, Lieutenant Colonel Dobzyniak was selected for duty at Marine Helicopter Squadron One (HMX-1) and reported for duty in August of that year. While assigned to HMX-1, Lieutenant Colonel Dobzyniak held the billets of CH-53E NATOPS and Evaluation Officer, Flight Schedules and Operations Duty Officer, Quality Assurance Officer and was designated a Command Pilot in 2008. Lieutenant Colonel Dobzyniak graduated from the Command and Staff College non-resident program during this assignment.
Lieutenant Colonel Dobzyniak reported to HMH-463, MCBH, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii in March of2009 as the Logistics Officer and Deployed to the Helmand Province of Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom 9.2. Upon returning with the squadron to Hawaii, Lieutenant Colonel Dobzyniak assumed the billet of Maintenance Officer. In August of 2010, he assumed the duties of Executive Officer and again deployed to the Helmand Province in support of Operation Enduring Freedom 11.1. Upon returning from deployment, Lieutenant Colonel Dobzyniak reported to MAG-24 as the Personnel Support Detachment Commanding Officer. In June of 2012, he assumed the billet of MAG-24 Executive Officer.
In August 2013, Lieutenant Colonel Dobzyniak reported to 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade (2nd MEB), Camp Lejeune, North Carolina and assumed the billet of II MEB Air Officer. He was then selected to assume command of MCAS Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii.
Lieutenant Colonel Dobzyniak has flown more than 3400 flight hours and has been an aircraft commander in four different aircraft. His personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal with two gold stars in lieu of3rd award, Air Medal with numeral 7, the Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal with, one gold star in lieu of 2nd award, and the Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal with two gold stars in lieu of 3rd award.