After graduating from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, OK in 1991 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps.
Upon receiving Naval Aviator wings in May 1995, 1stLt Rahe was assigned to VMAT-203 for training in the AV-8B “Harrier”. Following completion, he was assigned to the “Nightmares” of VMA-513 in Yuma, AZ where he served as the Powerline Officer, Airframes Officer, Quality Assurance Officer, and Maintenance Officer. During his four-year tour with VMA-513 he deployed with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) Special Operations Capable (SOC) and flew missions in support of Operation SOUTHERN WATCH and later deployed as part of the 31st MEU, Kadena AFB, Okinawa Japan.
In August 2000, Capt Rahe was transferred to VMAT-203 where he served as an AV-8B flight instructor, Schedules Officer, Pilot Training Officer and Operations Officer.
Again, re-joining VMA-513 in March 2003, Maj Rahe was assigned as the AV-8B Detachment Officer-in-Charge (DET OIC) and Maintenance Officer. He deployed with the 13th MEU SOC and Expeditionary Strike Group-1 as the Aviation Combat Element (ACE) Assistant Operations Officer and AV-8B DET OIC. While deployed he flew combat missions in Operations IRAQI and ENDURING FREEDOM.
In January 2005, Maj Rahe joined the “Blacksheep” of VMA-214 as Executive Officer and Maintenance Officer. He deployed as the AV-8B DET OIC and ACE Maintenance Officer for the 11th MEU SOC. While deployed he flew combat missions in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM.
From November 2006 until May 2008, LtCol Rahe served as the Executive Officer, 22d MEU SOC. Deployed from July 2007 until January 2008, the 22d MEU SOC supported Operations IRAQI and ENDURING FREEDOM as well as numerous other theater operations and contingencies.
From March 2009 to April 2011, LtCol Rahe served as the Commanding Officer, VMAT-203. After his command tour, LtCol Rahe attended Top Level School (TLS) at National War College, Washington, D.C. receiving Distinguished Graduate honors and a Master’s of Science in National Security Strategy.
Following TLS, Col Rahe was assigned to the Pentagon, Joint Staff, J-3, National Military Command Center, where he served as Assistant Deputy Director for Operations and Presidential Strike Advisor.
Col Rahe has logged over 3200 hours in the AV-8B. His personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medals, Air Medals, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals and numerous campaign and service medals.