Colonel Jay M. Holtermann graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee in 1994, receiving his commission as a Second Lieutenant later that summer. In December 1997, he was designated a Naval Aviator and he completed initial training as a CH-53E Super Stallion pilot the following year.
Colonel Holtermann’s operational experience: As a member of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (MEU(SOC)), he participated in OPERATION WARDEN with the International Force for East Timor (INTERFET). In 2001, while assigned to the 15th MEU(SOC) and Task Force 58, he participated in the initial phase of OPERATION SWIFT FREEDOM and OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM, flying assault support missions from the USS PELELIU, Camp Rhino, and the expeditionary base at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan. As a member of Marine Helicopter Squadron One (HMX-1), he flew the U.S. President, government officials, and foreign heads of state. In 2008, he deployed with the 13th MEU(SOC) which sailed directly to the Persian Gulf and participated in OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM 06-08 at Al Asad Air Base, Iraq. He next deployed with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 466 (HMH-466) to Al Asad, Iraq in support of OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM 08.2. In 2011, Colonel Holtermann assumed command of HMH-361 and deployed in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM 12.2, a deployment that was challenged by the September 2012 insurgent attack on the flight line at Camp Bastion, Afghanistan. After a brief period as the Executive Officer of Marine Air Group 16 (MAG-16), he assumed command of HMH-466, then forward deployed at Camp Bastion, Afghanistan, in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM 14.2.
Colonel Holtermann’s staff assignments include: Assault Support Capabilities Officer at the USMC Capabilities Development Directorate where he marshaled the MV-22 Block C/20 Capabilities Production Document and CH-53K Operational Requirements Documents; Executive Officer at MAG-16; Chief of the Commander’s Initiatives Group for the Commander, United Nations Command / ROK-U.S. Combined Forces Command / U.S. Forces Korea.
Colonel Holtermann is a graduate of Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course offered at MAWTS-1 and a distinguished graduate of the Naval War College in Newport, RI. His decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal with one gold star, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with “V” device and three gold stars, Air Medal with numeral 12, and the Combat Action Ribbon. Colonel Holtermann is authorized to wear the Presidential Service Badge. He is also the recipient of the Sikorsky Rescue Award and the Marine Corps Aviation Association 2002 Alfred A. Cunningham Aviator of the Year Award.