Maj Bradley J. Wimsatt graduated from the United States Naval Academy in May of 2001 with a Bachelor of Science in Economics and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps.
Shortly after graduation, he attended The Basic School in Quantico, Virginia followed by the Infantry Officer’s Course. He then left Quantico to begin Aviation Preflight Indoctrination in Pensacola, Fla. Maj Wimsatt completed Primary Flight Training in Corpus Christi, TX , and Advanced Flight Training in Kingsville, TX. Upon graduation in Kingsville he was designated a Naval Aviator and transferred to VMAT-203 at MCAS Cherry Point to begin training as an AV-8B Harrier pilot.
In December 2005, Maj Wimsatt transferred to VMA-231 in Cherry Point, NC where he served as S-4 Officer, Powerline Officer In Charge, Future Operations Officer, and Landing Signals Officer. In Early 2007 he deployed with the 26th MEU Harrier detachment to the Persian Gulf. The following year he deployed again with the 26th MEU, returning in the spring of 2009.
Upon returning from deployment, Maj Wimsatt transferred to the 2nd Marine Special Operations Battalion. Serving as an Air Officer and Forward Air Controller for Marine Special Operations Company Hotel, he deployed in May 2010 to Afghanistan in support of Special Operations Task Force 82 and Operation Enduring Freedom.
In the spring of 2011, Maj Wimsatt transferred to VMAT-203 to serve as an AV-8B Harrier instructor pilot. While at VMAT-203, Maj Wimsatt deployed to MCAS Yuma for 6 detachments for training in support of the squadron’s mission of providing newly designated 7509s to the fleet. In addition to instructor pilot duties, he served as the Airframes and Powerline OIC and completed the remaining 17 months of his tour as the Aircraft Maintenance Officer.
Maj Wimsatt has flown over 1,300 hours in the AV-8B. His personal decorations include the Bronze Star with Combat Distinguishing Device, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, and the Combat Action Ribbon.