Col Richard Rusnok
Cunningham Group Branch HeadHeadquarters Marine CorpsCol Richard M. Rusnok, Jr., a native of Pittston, PA, graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in May 1998 and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps. He earned his Naval Aviator wings in June 2001 and has served in operational, flight test, and staff billets. He currently serves as Cunningham Group Branch Head, Headquarters Marine Corps Aviation Department.
Operationally, he served with VMA-223 “Bulldogs” at MCAS Cherry Point, deploying twice to Iraq for Operations SOUTHERN WATCH and IRAQI FREEDOM. From March 2017 to April 2019, he commanded VMFA-121 “Green Knights” at MCAS Iwakuni, leading Indo-Pacific exercises, including the first F-35B operational at-sea deployment with the 31st MEU aboard USS Wasp. VMFA-121 earned the 2018 Commandant’s Aviation Trophy. From June 2022 to July 2025, he commanded MCAS Iwakuni.
His flight test tours include VX-23 (2010–2012) and the U.S. Air Force 461st Flight Test Squadron (2013–2016), conducting testing on all F-35 variants. He also served as VMX-22/VMX-1 Detachment OIC at Edwards AFB; Project Officer for F-35B Initial Ship Trials aboard USS Wasp; and a demonstration pilot at the 2016 Royal International Air Tattoo and Farnborough Airshow.
Staff assignments include MAWTS-1 (2006–2008) and U.S. European Command (2020–2022) as Joint Wargaming and Readiness Division Chief and Joint Training and Exercises Division Chief.
He holds a B.S. in History (Honors) from the U.S. Naval Academy; M.A. degrees in History (George Washington University) and National Security & Strategic Studies (Naval War College, with Distinction); and an M.S. in Systems Engineering (Naval Postgraduate School). He is a graduate of the ASO, WTI, and USNTPS Engineering Test Pilot courses.
His decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal (Gold Star), Air Medal (six Strike/Flight Awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (two Gold Stars), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (Combat “V” and Gold Star), six Sea Service Deployment Ribbons, and three Overseas Service Ribbons. He has also received the 2005 II MEF Leadership Award, USNTPS Sydney Sherby Leadership Award, 2011 Marine Corps Test Pilot of the Year, 2011 NDIA Military Tester of the Year, 2020 Naval War College Reinauer Prize, and Japan’s Order of the Rising Sun. He has over 3,000 mishap-free flight hours in more than 20 aircraft, including the AV-8B, F/A-18A-F, F-16, Mirage 2000D, and F-35A/B/C.
Ready Today, Unmatched Tomorrow: The Future of Marine Aviation
The Deputy Commander of Aviation explores how Marine Corps Aviation is balancing the demands of crisis response with a comprehensive modernization str…The Deputy Commander of Aviation explores how Marine Corps Aviation is balancing the demands of crisis response with a comprehensive modernization strategy to ensure it remains unmatched in future conflicts. Attendees will gain insight into how the M…The Deputy Commander of Aviation explores how Marine Corps Aviation is balancing the demands of crisis response with a comprehensive modernization strategy to ensure it remains unmatched in future conflicts. Attendees will gain insight into how the Marine Corps is aggressively modernizing to address the evolving character of warfare, defined by strategic competition, contested logistics, and rapidly advancing technologies. The Deputy Commander of Aviation explores how Marine Corps Aviation is balancing the demands of crisis response with a comprehensive modernization strategy to ensure it remains unmatched in future conflicts. Attendees will gain insight into how the Marine Corps is aggressively modernizing to address the evolving character of warfare, defined by strategic competition, contested logistics, and rapidly advancing technologies. Show MoreClick the title to see all details
