Jon-Claud Nix

Managed the operations, logistics, administration, and safety program of a federal resource-management and fire-fighting aviation organization with a $1,500,000 annual budget for a 17,000 square mile BLM district. Coordinated task-organized combined contractor and Federal employee aviation teams of up to 70 people and 20 aircraft in fire-fighting operations on public lands. Advised BLM District and state leadership on FAA and DOI/BLM aviation policies and on the technical, administrative, and fiscal requirements of contract aircraft procurement.

Developed, implemented, and managed Aviation Safety and Standardization Programs for a Marine Aircraft Group comprising 36 aircraft, 1200 personnel, and nearly $1 billion in assets and materiel.

Trained, evaluated, and mentored student pilots in their initial instruction in the CH-53D Sea Stallion helicopter. Coordinated and scheduled all ground-based and flight-training for MAG-24's replacement aircrew. Completed over 1,200 mishap-free flight hours as a pilot and instructor in helicopters and fixed-wing turbo-prop aircraft.

Coordinated and directed all helicopter operations in the Marine Corps' area of responsibility, Al Anbar Province. Served on a demanding 12-hour-per-night shift for the entirety of a six-month tour, which included the battle for Fallujah (Operation Phantom Fury) and extensive preparations for the Iraqi national legislative elections. Oversaw an average of 25 complex pre-planned and on-call logistical and fire-support helicopter missions per night.

Led, planned, and executed numerous missions (day and night) involving multiple types and numbers of aircraft. Trained pilots in the employment of night vision devices and low-altitude flight. Coordinated an operations/logistics plan to support 100 Marines during a series of international exercises spanning six countries and 7,000 miles of travel by helicopter. The first of two six-month deployments to the Pacific Rim.

Developed, implemented, and managed Safety and Standardization programs for a helicopter squadron comprising 12 aircraft, 140 personnel, and over $260 million in assets and materiel.