Major Russ Campbell is a native of Houston, Texas and graduated
from high school in 1991. Russ attended Texas A&M University where he participated in the Corps of Cadets and
graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology in 1996.
Russ was commissioned through the Platoon Leaders Class (PLC) program in 1996 and reported to The Basic
School in Quantico, Virginia. Upon completion, he reported to Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, Florida, to begin
primary flight training in the T-34C Turbo Mentor. In November 1998, Russ reported to Training Squadron 31 (VT-31)
at NAS Corpus Christi, Texas, to fly the T-44 Pegasus. He received his wings of gold in July 1999.
In August 1999, Russ reported to Marine Aerial Refueling Transport Training Squadron 253 (VMGRT-253) at Marine
Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point, North Carolina, to begin training in the KC-130. He then reported to his first
fleet squadron Marine Aerial Refueling Transport Squadron (VMGR-352), the “Raiders,” at MCAS Miramar, California,
in June 2000. While with the “Raiders,” Russ served as the Ground Safety Officer and the Quality Assurance Officer
in the Maintenance Department. During this tour, Russ deployed to Pakistan and Afghanistan in support of Operation
Enduring Freedom as well as to Bahrain in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom as a Flight Duty Officer.
In August 2003, he reported to the 13th Marine Expedition Unit (MEU) where he served in the Command Element on
the USS Pellilu as the KC-130 planner and deployed to Basrah in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Upon completion
of his tour with the 13th MEU, he returned to VMGR-352 as the Flight Officer and deployed in support of Operation Iraqi
Freedom. During his time in the operating forces, Russ has flew more than 400 combat hours. Additionally, Russ flew
numerous missions in support of operations in England, Spain, Italy, Germany, Pakistan, Turkey, Bahrain, Portugal,
Greece, Iceland, Canada, Puerto Rico, Colombia, Japan, Iraq, Afghanistan, Iraq, Kuwait, Wake Island, Australia, Singapore and Guam.
Russ joined the Blue Angels in September 2005. He has accumulated more than 2,000 flight hours. His decorations
include six Air Medals, three Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, and various personal and unit awards.
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