Lieutenant Colonel Sean R.Hulsey graduated from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona in June 2000 with a bachelor's degree in History. He attended Officer Candidate School and was commissioned in March 2004. After attending The Basic School in Quantico, he reported for flight training aboard NAS Pensacola and was designated as a Naval Aviator in August 2006. Lieutenant Colonel Hulsey reported to Marine Medium Helicopter Training Squadron (HMM(T)) 164 for training as a pilot in the CH-46E. Upon completing his training, he joined his first squadron, HMM-265, in Okinawa, Japan.
During his extended tour with the “Dragons” of HMM-265, Lieutenant Colonel Hulsey worked multiple billets in Operations and Maintenance, completed two 31st MEU cycles, and supported disaster relief operations during Operation TOMODACHI.
In August 2011, Lieutenant Colonel Hulsey reported to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Training Squadron (VMMT) 204 for transition to the MV-22B before being assigned to VMM-162 “Golden Eagles.” He served in Administration and as the Director of Safety and Standardization. The squadron deployed in support of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Crisis Response in 2014. Upon their return, Lieutenant Colonel Hulsey reported to Marine Aircraft Group to serve as the Aviation Safety Officer for a year before leaving active duty in July 2015.
After transitioning to civilian life, Lieutenant Colonel Hulsey affiliated with the “Gargoyles” of Marine Wing Support 473 aboard MCAS Miramar in December 2016. He served as the Airfield Operations Company Commander for one tour before assuming the role of squadron Executive Officer. During this time, the Gargoyles supported two stateside hurricane-related Humanitarian Assistance missions, one CENTCOM deployment, and one aircraft mishap investigation.
Lieutenant Colonel Hulsey returned to the Osprey cockpit in April 2021, reporting to VMM-764 by way of VMMT-204 for refresher training.
Lieutenant Colonel Hulsey is a graduate of the Weapons and Tactics Instructor and Aviation Safety Officer courses. His personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (with Gold Star), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and two Humanitarian Service Medals.
Lieutenant Colonel Hulsey currently trains CV-22 pilots for the Air Force as a civilian instructor.