Michael “Pucker” Woodard commissioned a Second Lieutenant in 2002 through the Officer Candidate School after receiving a Bachelor of Science (Physiology/Pre-med) degree from Florida State University. With stops in Pensacola, FL and Meridian, MS, 1stLt Woodard was designated a Naval Aviator in 2005. Following F/A-18 training as a “Gladiator” of VFA-106, he reported to Marine Aircraft Group-31, MCAS Beaufort, SC, where he joined the “Thunderbolts” of VMFA-251. While there, he served as CMCC, Schedules Officer, and Quality Assurance Officer. As a “T-Bolt”, he deployed with Carrier Air Wing One during 2007 and flew sorties from the USS ENTERPRISE in support of OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM and OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM.
In August 2008, Capt Woodard reported to II MEF(Fwd) in Camp Lejeune as the Future Air Planner. During the Jan-Sep 2009 deployment to Al Assad Air Base, Iraq, he held billets of Future Air Planner and Current Air Watch Officer in addition to flying sorties with the “Black Knights” of VMFA-314 in support of OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM.
Following deployment, Capt Woodard transferred back to MAG-31 to serve as the Group’s NATOPS Officer. In June 2010 he joined the “Hawks” of VMFA(AW)-533 where he served as the Admin Officer during a 2011 WestPac deployment.
After leaving the “Hawks” in June 2011, Capt Woodard reported to Quantico, VA for resident Expeditionary Warfare School. Upon graduation in May 2012, he returned to the “Gladiators” of VFA-106 as a fleet replacement squadron instructor pilot. While there, he served as Schedules Officer before promoting to his current rank and taking over as MATSG-33 Executive Officer.