Lt. Col. Nathan Baker, USMC
EA-6B Prowler Pilot • Combat Mission Commander • Iraq & Afghanistan Veteran
Nathan Baker was born on July 28, 1979, in Bowling Green, Kentucky, into a family grounded in service, discipline, and community. He is the grandson of local philanthropist Alan Baker and the son of Tom Baker, reflecting a longstanding family commitment to public service. These values helped shape a career that would ultimately span continents, combat zones, aircraft carriers, and senior operational leadership across the Pacific.
Baker enrolled at Western Kentucky University in 1997 where he balanced academics and athletics as a member of the university’s swimming and diving team while pursuing a commission in the United States Marine Corps. He completed Officer Candidate School in the summer of 2000 and, upon graduating later that year, was commissioned a Second Lieutenant, beginning a career that would span more than two decades.
Following completion of The Basic School and the Infantry Officer Course, Baker reported to flight training in Pensacola, Florida. After completing Primary Flight Training at Naval Air Station Whiting Field, he was selected for jet aviation and continued advanced training at Naval Air Station Meridian, Mississippi. In 2004, he earned his Wings of Gold and qualified as a carrier aviator.
Baker selected the EA-6B Prowler, one of the most complex aircraft in the Marine Corps inventory. He reported to VAQ-129 at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington, where he qualified in carrier operations and was promoted to Captain. He subsequently joined Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron Two (VMAQ-2) at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina. Between 2006 and 2008, he deployed three times to Al Asad, Iraq, flying combat missions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. During these deployments, he served as both a pilot and Mission Commander.
In 2008, Baker attended the Marine Corps Expeditionary Warfare School, graduating with distinction. He then returned to VAQ-129 as an instructor, transitioning from combat pilot to training and mentoring the next generation of aviators. As a Flight Instructor and Landing Signal Officer, he prepared pilots for the demands of carrier aviation. During this tour, he deployed again to Afghanistan and aboard the USS Ronald Reagan in the Pacific. He was promoted to Major in 2011.
In 2012, Baker was selected to attend the Air Force War College, where he earned a master’s degree in National Security Studies, expanding his focus from tactical aviation to operational and strategic planning.
Upon returning to Cherry Point, Baker served in key leadership roles across multiple squadrons, again supporting the training mission and contributing to modernization of the EA-6B fleet through the ICAP III upgrade. In 2014, he returned to VMAQ-2 as Chief Pilot and Operations Officer, leading the squadron during a Unit Deployment Program assignment to Japan, strengthening readiness and deterrence in the Pacific.
In 2015, Baker was assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 14, where he oversaw aviation operations for more than 5,000 Marines across 12 squadrons. Serving as Executive Officer and Chief Standardization Pilot for the EA-6B community, he played a central role in establishing operational standards and advancing leadership across the force. During this tour, he deployed to Turkey with VMAQ-2 in support of Operation Inherent Resolve and was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel.
In 2017, Baker was selected to command Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, where he exercised operational leadership, coordinated with host-nation partners, and supported U.S. strategic presence in the Indo-Pacific. Concurrently, he served as the Marine Corps Chief Pilot for the C-20G Gulf Stream, flying senior leaders throughout the Pacific and visiting 27 countries in a senior aviation capacity.
His final assignment was with Marine Corps Forces Pacific, where he served as Chief of Plans. In this role, he led the comprehensive revision of major operational plans across the Pacific Area of Responsibility, shaping regional readiness and response for years to come.
Baker’s decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal-Individual Action, Air Medal-Strike/Flight (16), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (2) Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Navy Unit commendation (3), National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal (W/1 Star), Iraq Campaign Medal (w/1 Star), Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal (Qatar) and several others.
After more than 23 years of honorable service, Lieutenant Colonel Baker retired from the United States Marine Corps in July 2021. Over the course of his career, he accumulated nearly 4,000 flight hours, more than half in combat, and held every flight qualification attainable in the EA-6B. He also flew every jet aircraft in the Marine Corps inventory, reflecting both exceptional breadth of experience and advanced technical proficiency.
Lt. Col. Baker will be honored at the 2026 Aviation Heritage Park Hangar Party. Explore more stories in our Distinguished Aviator collection.
