Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, home to the F-35B Lightning II, showcases military aviation.
Col. Trevor J. Felter has officially taken command of Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort as of April 29, 2025, following the dismissal of Col. Mark Bortnem. With over 30 years of Marine Corps experience, Felter aims to lead the air station through critical developments, including the transition to the F-35B Lightning II. Col. Bortnem was relieved of his duties on April 15, 2025, and reassigned to Parris Island.
Beaufort, South Carolina — Col. Trevor J. Felter has officially taken command of Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort as of April 29, 2025. His appointment follows the dismissal of Col. Mark Bortnem, who was relieved of his duties on April 15, 2025, due to a “loss of trust and confidence” regarding his capabilities in command. The specific details surrounding Bortnem’s removal have not been disclosed.
Col. Bortnem had served as the commander of MCAS Beaufort since July 14, 2023. After his dismissal, he was reassigned to the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in Parris Island, South Carolina, where he will continue to reside in the area. Typically, officers in these commanding roles within the Marine Corps serve tours of approximately three years.
Col. Felter, who is 49 years old and a native of Tiffin, Ohio, brings over 30 years of experience in the Marine Corps to his new role. His prior position was as the assistant chief of staff for government and external affairs at Marine Forces Command located in Norfolk, Virginia. In this capacity, he managed critical aviation operations, service-retained force readiness, and various training and exercise portfolios.
Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, often referred to as “Fightertown East,” plays a significant role in supporting Marine Corps aviation. It houses Marine Aircraft Group 31 and is equipped to operate the F-35B Lightning II, an aircraft noted for its advanced warfare technology, vertical landing, and short takeoff capabilities. MCAS Beaufort is currently transitioning from the F/A-18 Hornet to this next-generation fighter jet, which is crucial for maintaining the readiness of the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing based in Cherry Point, North Carolina.
Col. Felter enlisted in the Marine Corps in September 1994 and underwent recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island. In 1997, he was selected for the Naval Academy Preparatory School and subsequently commissioned as an officer in 2002. Following this, Felter completed his primary and advanced flight training, earning his designation as a naval aviator in August 2005.
Felter’s career includes a role as an instructor pilot with VMAT-203, where he trained naval aviators to operate the AV-8B Harrier, and he was also the executive officer of VMA-231, a squadron that utilizes the same aircraft. His overseas deployments have taken him to various locations, including the Horn of Africa, Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom, and Bahrain in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, where he conducted combat operations in Iraq and Syria.
In the interim period before Col. Felter officially took command, Lt. Col. Michael R. Eubanks served as the acting commander of MCAS Beaufort. This period allowed for a seamless transition in leadership as Col. Felter prepares to carry on the important mission of maintaining operational readiness and supporting the aviation needs of the Marine Corps.
As Col. Felter steps into his new role, he is poised to lead the air station through critical developments, including the ongoing transition to the innovative F-35B Lightning II, ensuring the highest level of preparedness among Marine aviation units.
Col. Mark Bortnem Relieved of Command at MCAS Beaufort
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