Page 35 - F-35B and USMC

The Integration of the F-35B into USMC Operations

While assigned to the “Black Sheep” he served as the Powerline Division Officer and a daily schedule
writer. Promoted to Captain in October of 2002, he deployed in support of Operations Southern Watch
(OSW) and Iraqi Freedom (OIF) I. In spring of 2004, Captain Bardo deployed aboard the USS Belleau
Wood as part of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). Upon reaching the Persian Gulf, the 11th MEU
transitioned ashore in support of OIF II. Upon returning home from deployment, Captain Bardo transferred to
3D MAW headquarters in Miramar where he augmented the G-3 Staff while maintaining currency in the AV-
8B.

In June of 2006, Captain Bardo returned to the “Black Sheep” and completed the flight leadership and
instructor prerequisites to attend the Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course. Upon completion of WTI class 1-
07 in October, Captain Bardo served as the Pilot Training Officer. In January 2007, he deployed to Japan
for one year supporting two back-to-back 31st MEUs.

In October of 2008, he was promoted to Major and began serving as the Aircraft Maintenance Officer. He
deployed in May 2009 to Kandahar Air Base, Afghanistan in support of Marine Aircraft Group 40, 2d
Marine Expeditionary Brigade flying in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF).

In December of 2009, Major Bardo reported to Eglin Air Force Base, FL as one of the initial cadre of
instructors tasked with standing up the “Warlords” of Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501, the
USMC’s first F-35B squadron. In January of 2011, Major Bardo was selected to attend Intermediate Level
School at the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island where he earned a Master of Arts in National
Security and Strategic Studies. He returned to VMFAT-501 where he completed transition training to the F-
35B. While at VMFAT-501, he served as the Director of Safety and Standardization as well as the
Operations Officer.

FIGURE 11 LT. COL BARDO TALKING WITH JAPANESE VISITORS TO YUMA MCAS. CREDIT: USMC
In January of 2015, Lieutenant Colonel Bardo reported to MAG-13, located at MCAS Yuma, Arizona and
assumed command of VMFA-121 in July of 2015.

Lieutenant Colonel Bardo has over 1800 flight hours, primarily in the AV-8B and F-35B and over 480 combat
hours in support of OSW, OIF, and OEF. His qualifications include: Weapons and Tactics Instructor, Mission

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