Col Andrew M. Turner graduated from Bucknell University in May 1999 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in biology and history. He attended Officer Candidate School and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in August 1999. Upon completion of The Basic School, Col Turner was assigned to the U.S. Naval Academy’s Leatherneck Program, where he served as an instructor to Midshipmen seeking a commission in the Marine Corps. In July 2000, Col Turner reported for flight training at NAS Pensacola, FL. He was winged a Naval Aviator on 7 December 2001 and reported to HMT-303 at Camp Pendleton, CA for instruction as a UH-1N pilot.
In April 2002, Col Turner was assigned to HMLA-169, where he served as the Adjutant, Current Operations Officer, Future Operations Officer, and Weapons and Tactics Instructor. In February 2003, Col Turner deployed with HMLA-169 in support of OIF I. In January 2004, Col Turner was assigned to HMM-166 (REIN) and deployed with the 11th MEU (SOC) in support of OIF 2-2. In March 2006, Col Turner returned to Iraq with HMLA-169 in support of OIF 5-7.
Col Turner was selected for the Special Education Program and departed HMLA-169 in May 2007 to attend graduate school at the University of Maryland (College Park). After completing a Master’s Degree in Leadership, Education, and Development, Col Turner reported to the United States Naval Academy where he served as a Company Officer until June 2010. While at the Naval Academy, Col Turner graduated with honors from the Marine Corps Command and Staff Distance Education Program. From July 2010 to June 2011, Col Turner attended the Naval War College in Newport, RI, receiving a Masters Degree in National Security & Strategic Studies.
Col Turner reported to MAG-29 in July 2011 and was assigned to HMLA-269, where he served as the Maintenance Officer and Operations Officer. In July 2012, Col Turner converted to the UH-1Y. From November 2012 to August 2013, Col Turner served as a future operations planner with 2d MAW (FWD) and deployed to Afghanistan in support of OEF 13.1. After completing this deployment, Col Turner returned to Cherry Point, NC and served as the Executive Officer for HMLA-467.
From January 2014 to December 2016, Col Turner was assigned to the Pentagon as the Aircraft Survivability Requirements Officer for the Director of Air Warfare (OPNAV (N98)). In this capacity, Col Turner supervised the funding, procurement, and development of survivability equipment for both Navy and Marine Corps aircraft.
In January 2017, Col Turner reported to Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Belle Chasse, LA. From May 2017 to May 2019, Col served as the Commanding Officer for Marine Aircraft Group 49, Detachment C. Upon completing Command, Col Turner attended the Air War College at Maxwell AFB, AL, receiving a Masters Degree in Strategic Studies.
From July 2020 to July 2022, Col Turner was assigned to the Joint Staff (J35-South) in Norfolk, VA as a Branch Chief in the Policy, Process, & Technology Division. Subsequently, Col Turner executed orders to Marine Forces Command where he served as the Assistant Chief of Staff G-7, supervising a diverse portfolio of programs inclusive of aviation, safety, readiness, and training & exercises. In July 2024, Col Turner assumed command of Marine Aviation Training Support Group-21 in Pensacola, FL.
Col Turner has accumulated over 1800 military flight hours in multiple airframes. His personal decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star with combat V, the Purple Heart, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal with gold star, the Air Medal with combat V, the Strike/Flight Air Medal 13th award, the Navy Commendation Medal with three gold stars, and the Navy Achievement Medal with gold star.