Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501

MISSION

Conduct combat capable, network enabled fighter/attack training across the full spectrum of combat operations for selected aircrew in order to attain annual F-35B Pilot Training Requirements.

LEADERS

Lieutenant Colonel Christopher E. Brandt

VMFAT-501 Commanding Officer

Lieutenant Colonel Brandt is originally from Ridgely, Maryland. He enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve in May 2001 completing Basic Training at MCRD Parris Island, SC. He served in 4th Landing Support Battalion in Wilmington, NC until graduating from Wake Forest University in May 2004, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business. In

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Major Andrew R. Christ

VMFAT-501 Executive Officer

Major Andrew Christ graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2007 with a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering. Following graduation, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps.After earning his Wings of Gold, he received orders to VMAT-203 to undergo flight training in the AV-8B Harrier. Upon

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Sergeant Major Gary L. Weller

VMFAT-501 Sergeant Major

Gary Weller, a native of Georgia, enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in May 1997. Following completion of recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina, Private First Class (PFC) Weller reported to Marine Corps Combat Training (MCT). After completing MCT PFC Weller went to Motor Transport Operator School in

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