06/05/2026
Introducing our Hero of the Week, Josh Hamilton. Master Sergeant Hamilton! He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps from
Springfield, Missouri in February of 2004. Upon completion of recruit training, he attended Marine Combat Training at Camp Pendleton, California. Upon graduation, Private First Class Hamilton was assigned the MOS 6100, Aviation Mechanic. In June 2004, Private First Class Hamilton reported to the Center for Naval
Aviation Technical Training, where he attended and completed class curriculum for a 6113 CH-53E Mechanic. In September 2004, Private First Class Hamilton reported to HMH-769 at Edwards
Air Force Base, CA where he served as a CH-53E flight line mechanic and was promoted to Lance Corporal in November 2004.
In May 2006, Lance Corporal Hamilton reported to HMH-462 at MCAS Miramar, CA where he served as a CH-53E plane captain and flight line mechanic. He was promoted to Corporal in November 2006 and deployed with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) where he served as a Collateral Duty Inspector (CDI). Upon his return, Corporal Hamilton checked into HMH-465 and served as a Collateral Duty Quality Assurance Representative (CDQAR) and
Quality Assurance Representative (QAR). He was promoted to Sergeant in January 2009. While with HMH-465, Sergeant
Hamilton deployed with the 31st MEU and participated in Operation Enduring Freedom. In November 2011, Sergeant Hamilton reported to the HMX-1 at Quantico, VA. Upon checking into the flight line division, Sergeant Hamilton served as a VH-60N plane captain and CDQAR. In February 2014, Staff Sergeant Hamilton transferred to the Quality Assurance Division where he served as a full systems QAR on the VH-60N, VH-3D and Trip Leader. In April 2016, Staff Sergeant Hamilton reported back to HMH-465 at MCAS Miramar, CA. Staff Sergeant Hamilton served as
the flight line division chief during a Unit Deployment Program to Okinawa, Japan. In July 2018, Staff Sergeant Hamilton was
promoted to the rank of Gunnery Sergeant and served as the SNCOIC for the 11th MEU. Upon returning from the 11th MEU,
Gunnery Sergeant served as the flightline division chief and participated in another Unit Deployment Program. In April 2022,
Gunnery Sergeant Hamilton chopped to VMM-362 where he served as the 13 TH MEU SNCOIC. In March 2024, Master Sergeant Hamilton checked into MALS-16 where he served as the Powerplants division chief. Master Sergeant Hamilton then reported to VMM-163 in January 2025 where he currently serves as the maintenance control chief for the 11th MEU aboard the USS Boxer. Master Sergeant Hamilton’s personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (gold star in lieu of third award), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (gold star in lieu of second award). He is married to the former Avigel Paule of San Diego, CA. They have one son, Ethan. Thank you for your service!
