Lieutenant Colonel Pablo J. Torres graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in May 2001. Following graduation from The Basic School he attended Naval Aviation training in Pensacola, FL and was designated a Naval Aviator in September 2003. After flight school, LtCol Torres was assigned to HMLA/T-303 for initial training in the AH-1W. In April 2004, after completing the FRS, he reported to HMLA-367 “Scarface”.
During his time with HMLA-367, LtCol Torres deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from August 2004 to April 2005, August 2006 to February 2007, and April 2008 to November 2008. He attended the Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course in the spring of 2007. During his tour with HMLA-367, he held numerous billets to include: Flight Line Assistant OIC, Phase Crew OIC, S-4 OIC, Pilot Training Officer, Tactics Officer, Standardization Officer, and Quality Assurance Officer.
After three combat tours with HMLA-367, LtCol Torres completed the Tactical Air Control Party Course in Coronado, CA and was assigned to 1st ANGLICO in February 2009. He served as the Air Officer for Supporting Arms Liaison Team Alpha and was the subject matter expect for all aviation fires. In May 2009 he became a JTAC Evaluator and in July 2009 he was assigned as the Supporting Arms Liaison Team Leader. He deployed with 1st ANGLICO in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2010.
Following his tour with 1st ANGLICO, LtCol Torres successfully screened with Naval Special Warfare Development Group (NSWDG) where he conducted Fire Support Research and Development. During this time, LtCol Torres volunteered to deploy with a Naval Special Warfare unit in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
From August 2012 to June 2013, LtCol Torres attended the Marine Corps Command and Staff College in Quantico, VA where he earned a Master of Military Studies. Following graduation in June 2013, he reported to MAG-29 and was later assigned to HMLA-167 “Warriors”. During his time there he served as the Assistant Operations Officer, Operations Officer, and Executive Officer. In October 2015, LtCol Torres deployed with the Warriors in support of Unit Deployment Program (UDP) 16.1.
In May 2016 LtCol Torres reported to Headquarters Marine Corps and was assigned as the Aide-de-Camp for the 34th Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, General Glenn M. Walters, where he served until January 2018. During his transition to HMLA-167, he reported to MAG-29 and worked in the Department of Safety and Standardization.
In June 2018 LtCol Torres was assigned command of HMLA-167. He led the “Warriors” during multiple exercises and the in-stride conversion of the AH-1Z. During his time in command, the squadron supported every assigned frag and maintained a mishap free record. In December 2019 LtCol Torres transferred command of the “Warriors” and reported to MAG-29 HQ for follow on orders.
LtCol Torres’ personal awards include: Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal with one gold star, Air Medal-Individual Action, Air Medal-Strike Flight Numeral 10, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with two gold star, and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with combat distinguishing device.