Captain Denning, resident of Fort Worth, Texas, enlisted in the Marine Corps and attended boot camp at MCRD San Diego in July 2002. He attended MOS school at Camp Lejeune, NC becoming a Basic Water Purification Specialist, 1171. Upon graduation LCpl Denning was attached to 8th Engineer Support Battalion (8th ESB), Camp Lejeune. LCpl Denning was soon offered the opportunity to deploy with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) as a Water Purification Specialist within the Marine Service Support Group (MSSG) to OIF 2-1/OIF 3-1. Upon completion of the OIF Deployment, Cpl Denning deployed with MSSG-24 in support of Hurricane Katrina to Biloxi MS and parts of Louisiana. Returning to 8th ESB in 2006, Cpl Denning conducted a lateral MOS move into Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) field.
Sgt Denning attended Naval School Explosive Ordnance Disposal (NAVSCOLEOD) at Eglin Air Force Base, FL graduating in 2007 as a Basic Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician 2336. He was transferred to Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center (MCAGCC), 29 Palms, California and a year later he deployed with 7th ESB as Individual Augment in support of OIF 091. Following this deployment, Sgt Denning returned to MCAGCC 29 Palms where he received orders to Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 272 New River, NC in 2010.
While at MWSS 272, SSgt Denning deployed to OEF 1-1 in 2011and was assigned duties in the Marjah AOR as an EOD team leader. Upon returning from Afghanistan, SSgt Denning applied and was accepted for the Marine Corps’ enlisted to warrant officer program becoming an EOD Officer 2305. In 2013, Warrant Officer Denning attended Warrant Officer Basic Course (WOBC) at The Basic School (TBS). Following graduation he was assigned to MWSS 171 Iwakuni, Japan as the EOD section Officer in Charge (OIC). From 2013 to June 2016, CWO2 Denning supported multiple Marine Aviation training exercises all over the Pacific Theatre to include: South Korea, Guam, Philippines, and the island of Tinian where he assisted in the clearance and certification of 2 runways to land forces for future exercises in the Pacific region.
In June 2016 CWO2 Denning received orders to MWSS 271, Cherry Point, NC. Upon checking in to MWSS 271, CWO2 Denning was assigned as the EOD OIC of Task Force Southwest. Late 2017, CWO2 Denning deployed to Afghanistan with Task Force Southwest for operations under Operation Freedom’s Sentinel as part of the Resolute Support Mission. Returning in April 2018, CWO3 Denning applied and was accepted for the Marine Corps’ Limited Duty Officer (LDO) program. Capt Denning completed his time at MWSS 272 and was transferred to 7th ESB, 1st EOD Company as the Executive Officer in June 2018.
While assigned to 7th ESB, 1st EOD Company, Capt Denning assisted in the planning and execution of all EOD Company deployments, exercises and field operations at the Company level.
In 2021 Capt Denning was assigned to Marine Detachment (MARDET) NAVSCOLEOD. While assigned to MARDET NAVSCOLEOD, Marine Aviation Training Support Group (MATSG) 21 Capt Denning performed as the Executive Officer of the MARDET and was assigned as the Marine Corps’ representative for the joint EOD Technical Training Acceptance Board (TTAB).
Capt Denning is a graduate of Close Quarters Battle (CQB), Method of Entry (Breechers), Advanced Counter IED Defeat, Nuclear EOD Operations, HME, Post Blast Analysis, Weapons Technical Intel, BTAC/ Tracking, Marine Advisor Course, Anti-terrorism Evasive Driving, Network Engagement T3, the Marine Corps Basic School, and Expeditionary Warfare School.
Capt Denning’s personal awards and decorations include the Navy Commendation Medal Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (4th award), Combat Action Ribbon, Humanitarian Service Medal, Military outstanding Volunteer Service medal and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Master Badge.