Major David M. Naeher

Executive Officer, Headquarters & Headquarters Squadron, MCAS Cherry Point

Major David M. Naeher graduated from Manatee High School and enlisted in the Marine Corps in November 1991. Upon graduation from Boot Camp at Parris Island, South Carolina, he reported to Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, Florida, for Aircrew Candidate School.

Next, he reported to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Training Squadron 253 (VMGRT-253) at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point, North Carolina, where he completed the KC-130 Airborne Radio Operator/Loadmaster course in December 1992. In 1993, he reported to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152 (VMGR-152) in Okinawa, Japan. In 1994, he reported to Station Operations and Engineering Squadron at MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina, and served as a C-9B Loadmaster and the Ground Training Noncommissioned Officer. In 1996, he was selected for the Marine Enlisted Commissioning Education Program (MECEP).

Major Naeher graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science in Science Education and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant through MECEP in April 2000. Upon graduation from The Basic School in December 2000, he reported to NAS Pensacola, Florida, for flight training and was designated a Naval Aviator in March 2002. He then reported to VMGRT-253 for initial KC-130 pilot training and was augmented into the Regular Marine Corps in October 2002.

In June 2003 Major Naeher reported to VMGR-252 at MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina, where he served as a KC-130 pilot and Adjutant. In February 2004, he transitioned from the legacy KC-130 to the new KC-130J model. In June 2004, he reported to Marine Aircraft Group 14, where he served as the Group Legal Officer and KC-130J pilot with VMGR-252. In May 2005, Maj Naeher reported back to VMGR-252 and deployed to Iraq in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM 04-06, August 2005 to February 2006.

After returning from Iraq, Major Naeher served as a KC-130J Aircraft Commander and Flight Duty Officer. In October 2006, he completed the Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) Course given at Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron 1 (MAWTS-1). Upon completion of WTI 1-07, Maj Naeher served as VMGR-252’s Aircrew Training Officer and Weapons & Tactics Instructor.

In July 2007 Major Naeher reported to MAWTS-1 at MCAS Yuma, Arizona, where he served as a KC-130J Weapons & Tactics Instructor and the KC-130J Division Head, where he instructed numerous KC-130 pilots and aircrew during WTI, Desert Talon, Enhanced Mohave Viper, and fleet support for VMGR-152, VMGR-252 and VMGR-352.

In July 2010, Major Naeher was selected to fly the C-9B with Marine Transport Squadron 1 (VMR-1) at MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina. While attached to VMR-1, Major Naeher served as Aviation Supply Officer, C-9B NATOPS Officer and C-9B Assistant NATOPS Instructor.

In May 2012, Maj Naeher reported to Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron (H&HS) MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina to serve as the H&HS Executive Officer.