Colonel Arthur McCreary “Mac” Reynolds Jr. (USMC, Ret.) was a distinguished Marine Corps aviator and a highly respected Presidential Helicopter Pilot who served three U.S. Presidents. Born on August 25, 1951, in Bowling Green, Kentucky, Colonel Reynolds’ extensive military career spanned 27 years, marked by significant deployments and leadership roles.
After earning his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Kentucky, Reynolds was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant on November 1, 1974, and subsequently completed flight school.
Marine Corps Helicopter Pilot & Global Deployments First Lieutenant Reynolds began his aviation career as a CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter copilot with Marine Helicopter Training Squadron 204 at MCAS New River, North Carolina. From 1976 to 1981, he gained extensive experience through numerous deployments to the Mediterranean, North Atlantic, and Caribbean, serving in various squadrons.
In August 1981, Captain Reynolds attended the Amphibious Warfare School. He then received orders to Marine Helicopter Squadron One (HMX-1), the elite unit responsible for Presidential helicopter transport. At HMX-1, he held key billets in Aviation Safety, Operations, and the White House Liaison Office, gaining initial experience as a Presidential Pilot flying President Ronald Reagan and Vice President George H.W. Bush.
After his tour at HMX-1, Major Reynolds was assigned to Long Beach, California, aboard the USS Peleliu until 1987. He then returned to MCAS New River, North Carolina, joining Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 261 (HMM-261). During this critical tour, he served as Operations Officer, Executive Officer, and ultimately Commanding Officer. Under his leadership, HMM-261 participated in four major deployments, including:
- Operation Sharp Edge (Liberia evacuation, 1989)
- Operation Desert Storm (1990-1991)
- Operations Deny Flight / Provide Promise (Bosnia-Herzegovina, 1992-1993 and 1994-1995)
NATO Leadership & Presidential Command Upon relinquishing command of HMM-261 in May 1995, Lieutenant Colonel Reynolds served as Executive Officer of Marine Air Group Two Six. His international experience expanded with an assignment to the NATO Defense College in Rome, Italy, from January to July 1996. Subsequently, he served at Headquarters European Command as Current Operations Chief, ECJ-3, where he was involved in critical operations such as Northern Watch, Beirut Air Bridge, Able Sentry (FYROM), all Bosnia-Herzegovina Operations, Silver Wake (Albania), and Noble Obelisk (Sierra Leone). He was promoted to the rank of Colonel on July 1, 1997.
In May 1998, Colonel Reynolds returned to HMX-1, assuming command on June 24, 1999. As the Commanding Officer of HMX-1, he held the distinguished title of Presidential Helicopter Pilot, providing secure air transport for Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, in addition to his earlier service to President Reagan and Vice President George H.W. Bush. During his command, he also oversaw the testing and development of the MV-22 Osprey.
Post-Military Career & Legacy Colonel Reynolds retired from the Marine Corps on November 1, 2001. He then joined Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation in Washington, D.C., as Marketing Manager for the Presidential Helicopter Program and U.S. Government Programs. After three years, he and his wife returned to Bowling Green, Kentucky, where he worked for Corporate Jets Systems while maintaining his contract with Sikorsky. He later served as an Emergency Medical Helicopter Pilot for Petroleum Helicopters Inc.
Colonel Arthur McCreary “Mac” Reynolds Jr. passed away on Friday, February 2, 2018, in Durham, North Carolina. He is survived by his wife Cathy and daughters Christina Reynolds and Sara Kirk. His legacy is one of unwavering dedication to the Marine Corps, exceptional aviation skill, and service at the highest levels of government.
Personal Decorations:
- Defense Superior Service Medal
- Legion of Merit
- Meritorious Service Medal with gold star
- Air Medal
- Navy Commendation Medal
- Presidential Service Badge
Col Reynolds is honored at Aviation Heritage Park & Museum in Bowling Green, Ky with a display in the museum and a Sikorsky SH-3H Sea King, authorized to become a VH-3D Marine One static display.
