LtCol James E. Beeson joined the Marine Corps in July 1991, attending Recruit Training MCRD San Diego, CA. Upon graduation from training, he served in 1st Marine Aircraft Wing as an Aviation Ordnanceman. Stationed in MCAS Iwakuni, and MCB Hawaii, LtCol Beeson supported operations in the Western Pacific and deployed in support of the Unit Deployment Program.
In 1997, LtCol Beeson, reenlisted as a KC-130 Flight Mechanic. Attending Naval Aircrew Candidate and Aviation Machinist Mate Course, Survival Evasion Resistance and Escape, (SERE) and the KC-130 Flight Mechanic’s Course. LtCol Beeson’s training was deferred to VMGR-234 NAS Fort Worth, TX.
Earning his aircrew wings in 1998; LtCol Beeson served in the Flight Engineer/Powerline Division, as the Phase Crew Coordinator, and Safe for Flight Maintenance Controller. He deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom I and II and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
In December 2004, LtCol Beeson attended Officer Candidates Course 187 and earned his commission. He attended The Basic School Quantico, VA and upon graduation, was designated an Aircraft Maintenance Officer.
LtCol Beeson returned to 1st MAW in 2005. Attached to MALS-36 MAG-36 MCAS Futenma, he served as Airframes and Aviation Life Support Systems (ALSS), Quality Assurance, and Power Plants Officer. He deployed to Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course, and as Detachment Officer in Charge Talon Vision 06.
In 2006, LtCol Beeson was transferred to VMM-265 for duty as the Maintenance Material Control Officer for the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. LtCol Beeson deployed aboard the USS Essex and supported operations in Korea, the Philippines, Australia, and Cambodia.
In 2008, LtCol Beeson received orders to MALS-16 MCAS Miramar. Upon arrival, he deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 8.2. Initially reporting to Al Asad Iraq, LtCol Beeson was designated as the MALS-16 Detachment Officer SPMAGTF-AFG Kandahar, Afghanistan, and provided Aviation Logistics support to CH-53E, AH-1W and KC130J aircraft based at Kandahar Airbase and Camp Bastion.
In March 2009, LtCol Beeson returned to MCAS Miramar. Over the next two years, he served as the Airframes, Aviation Life Support, Power Plants, Ground Support Equipment and IMRL Officer, the Assistant Aircraft Maintenance Officer, and Operations Officer for MALS-16.
In 2011, LtCol Beeson was selected for Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey CA. In 2013, he earned his Masters of Science in Business and Public Policy and was subsequently assigned to the Cost Analysis Branch at MARCORSYSCOM Quantico, VA.
In 2016, LtCol Beeson reported to 3d Marine Aircraft Wing. Serving as the Assistant Aircraft Maintenance Officer and as the Aviation Logistics Department Plans Officer.
In Dec 2017, LtCol Beeson reported to Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 11, where he served as the squadron’s Executive Officer, Safety Officer and Security Officer.
In June 2019, LtColr Beeson reported to Marine Aviation Training Support Group 23, for duty as the Commanding Officer Aviation Maintenance Squadron One.
In August 2020, LtCol Beeson reported to Marine Aviation Training Support Group 23 for duty as Operations Officer.
On 4 August 2022, LtCol Beeson assumed the duties as Commanding Officer Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 29.
LtCol Beeson’s personal decorations include the Air Medal strike “5”, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with 3 stars, and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.